1. Plaintiff
Meaning: The person who files a case in a civil court.
Example: If A sues B for damages, A is the plaintiff.
- Defendant
Meaning: The person against whom a case is filed.
Example: In a criminal case, the accused is the defendant.
3. FIR (First Information Report)
Meaning: The first report given to police about a cognizable offence.
Filed under: Section 154, CrPC.
4. Bail
bail.
Meaning: Temporary release of an accused person before trial.
Types: Regular bail, anticipatory bail, interim
- Habeas Corpus
Meaning: “Produce the body” – a writ to release a person from unlawful detention.
Filed under: Article 32 or 226 of the Constitution.
- Injunction
Meaning: A court order to stop someone from doing a particular act.
Example: A court may stop a builder from demolishing a house.
- Acquittal
Meaning: Legal judgment that a person is not guilty of the charge.
- Appeal
Meaning: A request to a higher court to review a decision of a lower court.
9. Writ
Meaning: A formal written order issued by a court.
Types of Constitutional Writs:
Habeas Corpus
Mandamus
Certiorari
Prohibition
Quo Warranto
10. Affidavit
Meaning: A written statement made under oath and sworn before a magistrate.
- Cognizable Offence
Meaning: A serious crime where police can arrest without prior approval of the court.
Example: Murder, Rape, Kidnapping.
12. Non-Cognizable Offence
Meaning: Less serious offences where police cannot arrest without court permission.
Example: Defamation, Public nuisance.
13. IPC (Indian Penal Code)
Meaning: The main criminal code of India, dealing with offences and punishments.
14. CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code)
Meaning: Code that lays down procedure for criminal investigation and trials.
- Locus Standi
Meaning: Legal capacity to bring an action or appear in court.
Example: Only a person who is directly affected can sue.
16. Obiter Dicta
Meaning: Remarks made by a judge that are not binding, just observations.
17. Ratio Decidendi
Meaning: The legal reasoning or principle behind a judicial decision.
18. Ultra Vires
Meaning: Beyond the legal power or authority of a person or institution.
Example: A law passed by a state that violates the Constitution is ultra vires.
19. Tort
Meaning: A civil wrong that causes harm to someone, other than a breach of contract.
Example: Negligence, nuisance, defamation.
- Jurisdiction
Meaning: Legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case.
Pro Tip for CLAT Preparation:
- Keep a separate notebook for legal terms and revise weekly.
- Use flashcards or sticky notes to memorize Latin terms.
