In the world of civil litigation, certain legal maxims define the very foundation of how cases are structured and prosecuted. One such principle is Dominus Litis, a Latin term meaning “master of the suit”.
Meaning of Dominus Litis
The maxim Dominus Litis refers to the plaintiff’s position as the primary controller of the litigation. The term signifies that the plaintiff — being the initiator of the suit — has the autonomy to decide whom to sue, what cause of action to pursue, and what relief to seek.
Plaintiff’s Central Role
In civil suits, this principle grants the plaintiff considerable control over:
- Choice of Parties – Deciding against whom to file the case.
- Cause of Action – Selecting the legal grounds for the case.
- Relief Sought – Determining what remedies are to be claimed from the court.
This control, however, is not absolute — it operates within the framework of procedural laws, and is subject to the court’s power to ensure fairness and prevent abuse.
Legal Significance
The Dominus Litis principle protects the plaintiff’s right to shape their case while balancing it with the judiciary’s role in preventing frivolous or vexatious litigation. 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.