Must-Know Legal Terms for Law Students in India                                                                                                

Are you new to law school? Discover more than 30 key legal terms that all Indian law students need to know. Use this easy guide to expand your vocabulary in the legal field! The legal profession has its own language, as anyone entering law school will soon discover. However, you don't have to memorize whole legal dictionary. We have listed over 30 key legal words in this blog that all Indian law students should be familiar with. In addition, knowing these terms will boost your confidence when reading statutes, court judgments, and moot court proceedings.

Why Legal terms Matters

Law depends on accuracy. Every word has a different meaning, and choosing the incorrect term might alter the outcome of a case!
→Helps in understanding bare acts and case laws →Makes your legal writing more professional →It gets you ready for internships and arguments →Increases confidence for exams and interviews.
So, let's get started! 

Legal Terms that Every Law Student Must be Aware of:-

1-Act

A statute that has been passed by the state legislature or Parliament.

Example: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023is an Act.

2- Amendment

A formal change or addition to an Act or Constitution.
Example: The 44nd Amendment of the Indian Constitution.

3- Affidavit

A statement in writing used as evidence in court that has been made under oath.

Example: Filing an affidavit of evidence.

4- Appeal

A request for a higher court to review and amend a lower court's decision.

5- Bail

The temporary release of an accused person before trial, bound by appearing in court when called upon.

6- Bare Act

The exact text of the law as passed by the legislature.
Example: Reading the BNS bare act.

7- Case Law

Law established by judicial decision, not by legislation.

8- Cause of Action

Circumstances or facts which give rise to a legal claim.

9- Caveat

A formal notice that is filed to stop the court from acting without first hearing the caveator.

10- Citation

The reference to a statute or court decision that acts as verification.

Example: Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973).

Latin Maxims & Legal Phrases :-

11- Ab Initio

Means “from the beginning.”
Example: A contract void ab initio.

12- Ad Idem

Both parties are of the same mind, or in agreement.

13- Audi Alteram Partem

Everyone has the right to be heard, which is one of the principles of natural justice.

14- Bona Fide

In good faith.

15- Habeas Corpus

A writ to produce a detained person before the court.

16- Mens Rea

The guilty mind or intention to commit a crime.

17- Nemo Debet Esse Judex in Propria Causa

No one should be a judge in his own case.

18- Prima Facie

At first instance or on the face of it.

 19- Res Judicata

A matter which is already decided by a competent court cannot be reopened.

20- Ultra Vires

Beyond the powers of the authority.

Court & Procedure Related Terms:-

21- Plaintiff & Defendant

The person who files a civil case (plaintiff) and the person who is being sued (defendant).

22- Petitioner & Respondent

The parties in a writ or appeal.

23- Prosecution & Accused

The government’s lawyer in a criminal case (prosecution) and the person charged (accused).

24- Writ

An order issued by a court to enforce fundamental rights.

25- Decree

A formal order passed by a civil court after adjudication.

26- Judgment

The reasoning and decision of a court in a case.

27- Order

A direction given by a court that does not finally determine the case.

28- Injunction

A court order restraining someone from doing something.

29- Summons

A notice issued by the court requiring a person to appear.

30- Charge

A formal accusation made in a criminal case.

Tips to Learn Legal Terms Faster

→Regularly reading bare acts increases familiarity.
→Create Latin maxim flashcards. →Use these terms in your moot court assignments and memorials. →Talk about them with classmates when studying in groups.

Why Learning Legal Terms Early Helps

Learning legal terms early in law school provides you an advantage:             → You'll understand class topics better; → Your responses and assignments will appear improved. →During internships, you will make an impression on seniors.   →During exams and interviews, you will feel more confident.
Keep in mind that practice makes perfect—all brilliant lawyers once had trouble with the same language!

Final Thoughts

Law school is about reasoning like a lawyer, not just memorizing facts. And the first step is to write and speak as one.
This blog's list of legal terms is only the initial step. As you progress through your semesters, keep adding words to your vocabulary.
Tell us in the comments whether this blog was useful to you and your classmates.

Q-Which legal term did you find most interesting?

Stay tuned to LawVibes for more helpful posts on legal skills, career tips, and study material.