Are you new to law school? Learn over 30 crucial legal terms that every Indian law student should be familiar with. 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
One of the principles of natural justice is the right of everyone to be heard.
14- Bona Fide
In good faith.
15- Habeas Corpus
A writ to bring someone in custody before the court.
16- Mens Rea
The guilty mind or
intention to commit a crime.
17- Nemo Debet Esse Judex
in Propria Causa
Nobody ought to act as a judge in their own case.
18- Prima Facie
At first appearance 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 issued following judgment by a civil court.
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 in a criminal prosecution.
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 more than just learning facts; it's about thinking like a lawyer. 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 Blog for more helpful posts on legal skills, career tips, and study material.
References
1-Example: The 44nd
Amendment of the Indian Constitution.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forty-fourth_Amendment_of_the_Constitution_of_India 
2- One of the principles
of natural justice is the right of everyone to be heard.
https://legal-resources.uslegalforms.com/n/natural-justice
3- The guilty mind or
intention to commit a crime.
https://www.vaia.com/en-us/explanations/law/uk-criminal-law/elements-of-crimes
4- At first appearance or
on the face of it.
https://coodes.co.uk/legal-jargon/what-is-prima-facie
5- Nemo Debet Esse Judex
in Propria Causa
https://bnblegal.com/nemo-debet-esse-judex-in-sua-propria-causa
Case Reference
1-Kesavananda Bharati v.
State of Kerala (1973)
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