Dominus Litis: Plantiff the Master of Suit
The Dominus Litis principle protects the plaintiff’s right to shape their case, while balancing it with the judiciary’s duty to prevent frivolous, vexatious, or abusive litigation.
Plaintiff’s Control
The plaintiff ordinarily decides whom to sue, what relief to claim, and how to frame the cause of action.
Court’s Supervisory Role
Courts may intervene only where the suit appears defective, oppressive, or an abuse of judicial process.
Courts can intervene if the plaintiff’s actions:
- Cause misjoinder or non-joinder of necessary parties.
- Aim to harass defendants through unwarranted claims.
- Attempt to misuse court processes for ulterior motives.
Watch: Dominus Litis Explained
Watch this short lecture to understand how the Dominus Litis principle works in civil litigation, and how courts balance the plaintiff’s control with judicial supervision.
Download Revision Notes
Download the Dominus Litis legal maxim PDF for quick revision, classroom use, and offline reading.