You can check this article to know in detail how to ace CLAT 2026 legal terms fast with flashcards. Also get to know the important legal terms required for the CLAT exam.
For the legal reasoning section, knowing in detail about the legal terms and how you can remember them effectively is quite important. Experts say to remember them you can use flowcharts, mindmaps, flashcards etc which will concise the important concepts in one page. Using these methods, especially flashcards for remembering the legal terms can be effective for quick revision before the CLAT 2026 exam. Moreover, important CLAT legal terms can also be remembered in quick succession using these flashcards. Now let's begin with the main article.
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How to Balance CLAT 2026 Prep Alongside Your Academic Curriculum
Legal Terms CLAT
Check the important legal terminologies for the CLAT eam.
CLAT 2026 Legal Terms | Explanation |
|---|---|
Plaintiff | The person who brings a legal action (complainant) in a civil case. |
Defendant | The person against whom the legal action is brought. |
Actus Reus | The physical act or conduct that constitutes a crime. |
Habeas Corpus | A writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge/court to check unlawful detention. |
Stare Decisis | The principle that courts should follow precedents (previous judicial decisions). |
Tort | A civil wrong that causes harm or loss, leading to legal liability. |
Contract | A legally binding agreement enforceable by law. |
Ultra Vires | An act performed beyond the powers or authority given by law or statute |
Natural Justice | Principles ensuring fairness in legal proceedings (e.g., right to be heard, rule against bias). |
Subpoena | A written order to produce documents or appear as a witness. |
Mens rea | Guilty mind (criminal intent) |
Acquittal | Legal judgment that someone is not guilty. |
Conviction | Declaration that someone is guilty of an offense. |
Also Read: Ace 'Probability' to Score High in CLAT 2026 Quant Section
Common Latin Legal Maxims
You must be well acquainted with these following latin maxims as well.
Legal Maxims | Explanation |
|---|---|
Audi alteram partem | Hear the other side (principle of natural justice). |
Nemo judex in causa sua | No one can be a judge in their own case. |
Ignorantia juris non excusat | Ignorance of law is no excuse |
Volenti non fit injuria | A person who consents cannot complain of injury. |
Res ipsa loquitur | The thing speaks for itself (used in torts, negligence). |
Ubi jus ibi remedium | Where there is a right, there is a remedy. |
Pacta sunt servanda | Agreements must be kept. |
Salus populi suprema lex | Welfare of the people is the supreme law |
Ex post facto | A law made after the act (retrospective law) |
Caveat emptor | Let the buyer beware |
Also Read: How Case Studies Strengthen CLAT 2026 Legal Reasoning Skills?
How to Use Flashcards to Remember Legal Terms?
Follow the tips to remember the legal terms using flashcards.
- Make it Straight Cut - Make sure that when you are writing, it should be crisp and short. Do not make it lengthy. For example, write “Conviction” then just write what it speaks about like - “Declaration that someone is guilty of an offense”
- Categorisation of all Legal Terms - Mainly you can categorise the CLAT legal terms into constitutional terms, Latin Maxims, Torts, Contracts, Criminal Law etc. For example, when you are writing constitutional terms, keep a track of all those constitutional terms like Fundamental Rights, DPSP, Fundamental Duties, Articles, Writs, Preamble etc in one section. Keep all your write ups categorised under sections.
- Use of Examples or Mnemonics - Whenever you are writing a legal term take note of writing down an example, a short explanation and any landmark judgement made under that term. Examples will help you to retain that term for a long time. For example, you take the term “Audi Alteram Partem”, it means - “Hear the other side”. Now give an example, that the court will always give its judgement hearing both the sides.
- Recall and Revise - While revision try recalling the meaning of the terms. Remember the examples that you have written and try to summarise them in your mind.
- Discuss - When you are with your peer group or friends discuss with them so that you remember those terms which are challenging. Remember the examples they have used to memorise the terms. If there are no examples, try making your own so that you don't miss them out.
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FAQs
Flashcards make learning active and interactive. They help with quick recall, improve memory retention, and are ideal for revising legal terms in short sessions.
Ideally, start 8–10 months before the exam. Early preparation helps you build a strong foundation, but even last 3–4 months can be very effective with daily practice.
Yes. Knowing terms like mens rea or strict liability helps you quickly understand principles in passages and apply them correctly.
Start with high-frequency terms like habeas corpus, mens rea, locus standi, res judicata, tort, estoppel, FIR, bail, affidavit, precedent, statute, and writs.
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