Foundational Concepts

Law: A system of rules recognized and enforced by a governing authority.

Jurisdiction: The authority of a court to hear and decide a case.

Precedent: A legal principle established in a previous case that guides future decisions.

Stare Decisis: Doctrine that courts should follow precedent for consistency in law.

Statute: Written law passed by a legislative body.

Common Law: Law developed through judicial decisions rather than statutes.

Court Structure & Procedure

Litigation: The process of resolving disputes in court.

Pleadings: Written statements of parties setting out claims and defenses.

Cause of Action: A legal right to bring a lawsuit.

Affidavit: A written statement made under oath.

Interim Relief / Injunction: Temporary court order to prevent harm before final judgment.

Burden of Proof: Obligation to prove a fact (on plaintiff in civil, prosecution in criminal).

Standard of Proof: Level required to establish a fact (e.g., ‘beyond reasonable doubt’).

Civil Law Concepts

Contract: Legally binding agreement enforceable by law.

Tort: Civil wrong (other than breach of contract) giving rise to liability.

Damages: Monetary compensation awarded by court.

Specific Performance: Court order compelling party to fulfill contractual obligation.

Equity: Body of principles that supplement strict law for fairness.

Criminal Law Concepts

Mens Rea: Guilty mind (intention/knowledge of wrongdoing).

Actus Reus: Guilty act (physical act of crime).

Felony / Misdemeanor: Serious vs. less serious crimes.

Bail: Temporary release of accused pending trial.

Acquittal: Legal finding of not guilty.

Double Jeopardy: Prohibition on being tried twice for same offense.

Constitutional & Public Law

Fundamental Rights: Basic rights guaranteed under a constitution.

Directive Principles: Guidelines to state policy (not enforceable in court).

Due Process: Fair treatment through judicial/legal process.

Separation of Powers: Division of state power among legislature, executive, judiciary.

Judicial Review: Power of courts to examine validity of legislative/executive actions.

International Law

Sovereignty: Supreme authority of a state within its territory.

Treaty: Binding agreement between states.

Customary International Law: Practices accepted as legal obligations among nations.

Arbitration: Alternative dispute resolution method outside courts.

Extradition: Surrender of a person from one state to another for trial/punishment.

Miscellaneous Terms

Pro Bono: Legal services rendered free of charge.

Amicus Curiae: ‘Friend of the court,’ person assisting court without being a party.

Ultra Vires: Beyond legal authority.

Ratio Decidendi: Legal reasoning forming basis of judgment.

Obiter Dicta: Observations not essential to the decision (not binding).