Legal Vocabulary for CLAT

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a highly competitive examination that opens the doors to prestigious law schools and paves the way for a successful legal career. 

Aspiring law students are preparing to understand the significance of mastering legal concepts and developing a strong command of legal vocabulary for CLAT. Proficiency in legal language is essential for effective communication, comprehension, and analysis within law.

List of Legal Vocabulary for CLAT

1. Law: The system of rules and regulations that govern a society and are enforced by a governing authority.

2. Legislation: Laws created by a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress.

3. Statute: A written law created by a legislative body.

4. Constitution: The fundamental principles and rules that govern a nation or organization.

5. Civil Law: The branch of law that deals with disputes between individuals or organizations.

6. Criminal Law: The branch of law deals with offences committed against the public, such as murder or theft.

7. Plaintiff: The party who initiates a lawsuit in a civil case.

8. Defendant: The party sued or accused in a civil or criminal case.

9. Judge: A person appointed to preside over a court and make legal decisions.

10. Jury: A group of citizens selected to determine the facts in a trial and deliver a verdict.

11. Evidence: Facts, documents, or objects presented in court to support a claim or refute an accusation.

12. Witness: A person who provides testimony or evidence in a legal proceeding.

13. Verdict: The decision or finding made by a jury in a trial.

14. Trial: A formal examination of evidence and arguments in court to determine guilt or liability.

15. Appeal: A request to a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court.

16. Attorney/Lawyer: A legal professional representing clients in court and providing legal advice.

17. Legal advice: Counsel or guidance a lawyer provides regarding legal matters.

18. Contract: A legally binding agreement between two or more parties.

19. Breach of contract: Failure to fulfil the terms of a contract without a legal excuse.

20. Tort: A civil wrong or injury caused by one person to another, resulting in legal liability.

21. Negligence: Failure to exercise reasonable care results in harm or injury to another person.

22. Liability: Legal responsibility for one’s actions or omissions.

23. Damages: Monetary compensation awarded to a party suffering loss or injury.

24. Injunction: A court order that requires a person to stop doing a particular action or to do a specific action.

25. Intellectual property: Legal rights over creations of the mind, such as inventions, artistic works, and trademarks.

26. Copyright: The legal protection of original creative works, such as books, music, or films.

27. Trademark: A distinctive symbol, design, or logo that identifies and distinguishes a product or service.

28. Patent: A government-granted exclusive right to an invention for a limited time.

29. Warrant: A court order authorizing the search or arrest of a person or the seizure of property.

30. Miranda rights: The rights of an arrested person to remain silent and have an attorney present during questioning.

31. Habeas corpus: The right to challenge the lawfulness of detention or imprisonment.

32. Jurisdiction: The court’s authority to hear and decide a case.

33. Appeal: A request to a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court.

34. Settlement: An agreement reached between parties to resolve a dispute without going to trial.

35. Mediation: A process in which a neutral third party helps parties in a dispute reach a mutually acceptable resolution.

36. Arbitration: A neutral third party reviews the evidence and makes a binding decision to resolve a dispute.

37. Legal precedent: A prior court decision that serves as a guide for future cases.

38. Statute of limitations: The time limit within which a legal action must be brought.

39. Confidentiality: Protect sensitive information from disclosure to unauthorized individuals.

40. Due process: The principle that individuals are

 Entitled to fair treatment and protection of their rights under the law.

41. Civil rights: The rights of individuals to be treated equally and without discrimination by the government and society.

42. Human rights: Fundamental rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled, regardless of nationality or status.

43. Bail: The temporary release of a person charged with a crime, typically secured by a sum of money.

44. Probation: A period of supervision and monitoring imposed by the court instead of imprisonment.

45. Parole: The conditional release of a prisoner before the completion of their sentence, subject to certain terms and conditions.

46. Writ: A written order issued by a court commanding a specific action or prohibiting certain conduct.

47. Estate: The total property and assets owned by an individual, including real estate, money, and personal belongings.

48. Will: A legal document specifying how a person’s assets and property should be distributed after death.

49. Trust: A legal arrangement in which a person (trustee) holds property on behalf of another person (beneficiary).

50. Family law: The branch of law that deals with matters such as divorce, child custody, and adoption.

51. Immigration law: The area of law that governs the entry, stay, and rights of foreign nationals in a country.

52. Bankruptcy: The legal process by which an individual or organization declares its inability to repay debts.

53. Constitutional law: The branch of law that deals with the interpretation and application of a constitution.

54. Administrative law: The body of law that governs the activities of government agencies and administrative processes.

55. Contract law: The area of law that deals with agreements and obligations between parties.

56. Property law: The branch of law that governs the ownership, use, and transfer of real estate and personal property.

57. Employment law: The area of law that regulates the relationship between employers and employees.

58. Criminal procedure: The rules and processes governing criminal offences’ investigation and prosecution.

59. Tort law: The body of law that allows individuals to seek compensation for harm caused by the wrongful acts of others.

60. Constitutional rights: Fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by a country’s constitution.

61. Equal protection: The principle that all individuals should be treated equally under the law.

62. Freedom of speech: The right to express opinions and ideas without censorship or interference.

63. Freedom of religion: The right to practice and worship any religion or belief without government interference.

64. Freedom of assembly: The right to gather peacefully and express collective views or opinions.

65. Freedom of the press: The right of journalists to report news and information without censorship or restraint.

66. Separation of powers: The division of governmental powers among different branches, such as the legislative, executive, and judicial.

67. Judicial review: The power of a court to review the constitutionality of laws and government actions.

68. Precedent: A previously decided case or legal ruling that serves as a guide for similar cases in the future.

69. Pro bono: Providing legal services free of charge to individuals who cannot afford legal representation.

70. Litigation: The process of legal action through the courts to resolve a dispute.

71. Pleading: The formal written statements filed by the parties in a lawsuit outlining their claims and defences.

72. Discovery: The process of gathering evidence and information from the opposing party in a legal proceeding.

73. Subpoena: A court order requiring a person to appear in court or produce certain documents or evidence.

74. Deposition: The witness’s sworn testimony is taken outside court, typically before trial.

75. Affidavit: A written statement of facts made under oath and signed by the person making the statement.

76

. Inadmissible: Evidence or testimony that cannot be presented or considered in court.

77. Juror: A jury member who listens to the evidence and decides the outcome of a trial.

78. Foreclosure: The legal process by which a lender takes possession of a property due to the borrower’s failure to repay a loan.

79. Landlord: The owner or lessor of a property who rents it to a tenant.

80. Tenant: A person who rents or leases property from a landlord.

81. Warrant of arrest: A court-issued document authorizing the arrest of an individual suspected of a crime.

82. Probable cause: A reasonable belief that a person has committed a crime necessary for a lawful arrest or search.

83. Indictment: A formal accusation or charging document issued by a grand jury, charging someone with a crime.

84. Plea bargain: An agreement between the prosecutor and the defendant to resolve a criminal case through a guilty plea.

85. Subpoena duces tecum: A court-issued order requiring a person to produce specific documents or evidence.

86. Malpractice: Professional negligence or misconduct by a licensed professional, such as a doctor or lawyer.

87. Guardianship: Legal authority granted to a person to make decisions on behalf of someone incapacitated or a minor.

88. Juvenile: A person under the age of majority and subject to the juvenile justice system.

89. Power of attorney: A legal document authorizing someone to act on behalf of another person in legal and financial matters.

90. Annulment: A legal declaration declaring a marriage null and void, as if it never occurred.

91. Alimony: Financial support one spouse provides to another after a divorce or separation.

92. Child custody: The legal determination of who will have physical and legal responsibility for a child.

93. Intestate: Dying without a valid will, resulting in the distribution of assets according to state law.

94. Extradition: The process by which a person accused of a crime is transferred from one jurisdiction to another for prosecution.

95. Notary public: A public officer authorized to witness and certify the signing of legal documents.

96. Mediator: A neutral third party facilitating communication and negotiation between parties in a dispute.

97. Contempt of court: Disrespectful or disobedient behaviour toward a court or interference with its proceedings.

98. Testimony: Oral or written statements given under oath by a witness in a legal proceeding.

99. Pro se: Representing oneself in court without the assistance of a lawyer.

100. Legal system: The overall framework and structure of laws and courts in a particular country or jurisdiction.

A firm grasp of legal vocabulary is vital for aspiring law students aiming to excel in the Common Law Admission Test and their future legal careers. 

By immersing themselves in legal language, understanding the meanings and contexts of essential terms, and utilizing them effectively, students can develop their legal communication skills and enhance their ability to analyze complex legal texts. 

By continuously expanding their legal vocabulary and integrating it into their studies, aspiring lawyers can confidently navigate the challenging path of legal education and stand out in the competitive field of law. 

Start building your legal vocabulary for CLAT today!