The CLAT Legal Reasoning accounts for about 25% of the paper. Out of 28 to 32 questions in this section, you can expect four to five questions on legal maxims. Here is where our guide on legal jargon for CLAT 2026, with simple explanations for key terms, can come to your rescue.
The questions for CLAT Legal Reasoning are passage-based, often introducing one or two legal maxims that you must interpret correctly. Legal jargon typically refers to concise statements or principles that carry specific legal meanings. These are expressed mostly in Latin, with some exceptions. For instance, a word like prima facie is often used and means evidence enough to solve a case unless proved otherwise. For instance, in a case of robbery, if the CCTV footage shows someone stealing, then it is prima facie evidence.
Learning these terms is not just about rote memorisation. They sharpen your ability to read and understand legal passages. Even a single unfamiliar expression in a Legal RC can leave you in confusion and may cost you valuable marks. Hence, it is recommended that you master the key legal jargon for CLAT 2026 and other such law entrance exams in India.
Also Read: Preparation Tips for CLAT 2026 Legal Reasoning Section
What are Legal Jargons for CLAT 2026?
Legal jargon for CLAT is an established legal language, expressed in Latin most of the time. These maxims concisely convey broad rules of law. These texts are frequently used by courts when declaring judgments. For CLAT 2026 aspirants, having proper knowledge of jargon is key as they regularly feature in legal reasoning passages. Having a prior idea of them will make the job easier, and you can approach such questions with confidence.
20 Important Legal Jargon for CLAT with Explanations
Here are 20 important legal maxims for the CLAT, accompanied by simple explanations.
Legal Jargon for CLAT List | Meaning | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
Actionable per se | Wrong in itself | An act that is considered a legal wrong on its own. The person affected can sue without needing to prove any harm or damage caused. |
Ab Initio | From the beginning | Something that is considered effective or valid right from the start. |
Ante Litem Motam | Before a dispute or controversy arises | Refers to actions or statements before any legal case is filed |
Actio personalis moritur cum persona | A person's right to take action dies with the person | Certain personal legal rights cease with the death of the individual |
Actus reus | A guilty act | The physical action or conduct that is part of a crime, distinct from the mental intention of the accused. |
Ad hoc | For the particular end or case at hand. | Refers to something done for a specific purpose or situation |
Actori incumbit onus probandi | The burden of proof is on the plaintiff | In a legal proceeding, it is the duty of the individual who is filing the case to produce evidence and demonstrate their claim |
Amicus Curiae | A friend of the court | An individual or organisation not directly having any relation to a case, but invited to assist the court by offering expertise or advice |
Bona fide | In good faith | Acting or behaving sincerely without any ill intention |
Bona vacantia | Ownerless goods | Means unclaimed property without any rightful owner |
Caveat actor | Let the doer beware | A caution that the individual taking action or initiating a legal process is responsible for the risks and consequences involved |
De facto | In fact | Refers to a situation that exists in reality, even if it is not legally recognised or formally established |
De jure | By law | Something that is approved or established by law |
Damnum sine injuria | Damage without legal injury | Indicates a situation where damage or loss occurs to a person, but no legal right is violated, so there is no legal remedy |
De minimis | About minimal things | Hints to issues so small or insignificant that the law does not take notice |
Ex gratia | As a favour | A payment or benefit, or action given voluntarily out of goodwill, without any legal obligation to provide it. |
Quid pro quo | Something for something | Refers to a mutual exchange where one benefit or favour, or consideration is given in return for another. |
Ipso facto | By mere fact itself | Result or consequence that follows automatically from a particular fact or action |
In promptu | In readiness | Being prepared for something |
In status quo | In the current state or condition | Maintaining the present situation or existing circumstances without any change. |
Also Read : Top 10 Tips to Qualify CLAT 2026
Strengthening legal jargon for CLAT is not just about memorising Latin words but also about grasping the principles they indicate. These terminologies simplify complex legal ideas and give you the clarity needed for the Legal Reasoning segment. A strong command over them will increase your chances of doing well in CLAT.
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FAQs
Legal jargon for CLAT means established legal terms, with the majority of them derived from Latin. They denote key legal principles in a short form.
Legal jargon is largely expressed in the Latin language.
It is important to learn legal maxims for CLAT aspirants, as these are frequently used in Legal Reasoning passages and questions.
Actionable per se conveys a legal principle, meaning a wrongful act itself is enough to establish a cause of action.
Damnum sine injuria signifies a damage without legal injury.
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