Important Legal Terms
Posted on : 28 November, 2025 1:15 am
The legal world is full of terms that may seem complicated at first, but understanding them is essential for students preparing for law exams, working professionals, and even common citizens. These legal terms form the foundation of legal language, court proceedings, and important documents.
This blog explains the most important legal terms in simple and easy words so anyone can understand them.
Difference Between Civil Law and Criminal Law
| Point of Difference | Civil Law | Criminal Law |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Deals with disputes between individuals or organizations. | Deals with offences against the state or society. |
| Purpose | To protect private rights and provide compensation. | To maintain law & order and punish offenders. |
| Parties Involved | Plaintiff vs. Defendant | State (Government) vs. Accused |
| Nature of Wrong | Private wrong (e.g., property dispute, contract breach). | Public wrong (e.g., murder, theft, assault). |
| Type of Case | Non-criminal disputes. | Criminal offences. |
| Burden of Proof | Based on preponderance of probabilities (more likely true). | Based on proof beyond reasonable doubt. |
| Punishment / Outcome | Compensation, damages, injunctions. | Jail, fines, death penalty, probation. |
| Starting Point | Filing a civil suit. | Filing of FIR → investigation → charge sheet. |
| Police Involvement | Usually not involved. | Always involved (arrest, investigation). |
| Right to Bail | Not required since there is no arrest. | Bail may be granted depending on offence. |
| Examples of Cases | Divorce, property dispute, breach of contract, defamation (civil). | Murder, rape, theft, kidnapping, fraud. |
| Appeal | Either party can appeal. | Accused or state can appeal. |
| Standard Judgment | Decided by judge based on documents and evidence. | Decided by judge (and sometimes jury) based on strict evidence. |
Basic legal terms
Plaintiff
Meaning: Person who files a case in a civil court.
Example: If Riya sues her landlord for not returning her deposit, Riya is the plaintiff.
Defendant
Meaning: Person against whom the case is filed.
Example: In the above case, the landlord is the defendant.
FIR (First Information Report)
Meaning: The first complaint registered by police when a serious crime happens.
Example: If someone’s bike is stolen, they go to the police station to file an FIR.
Cognizable Offence
Meaning: Serious crime where police can arrest without a warrant.
Example: Murder, kidnapping, rape, robbery.
Non-Cognizable Offence
Meaning: Minor offences where police need a warrant to arrest.
Example: Defamation or a small quarrel where no major injury happened.
Bail
Meaning: Temporary release of an accused from jail with conditions.
Example: If someone is arrested for a fight, the court may give bail until the case ends.
Evidence
Meaning: Proof that helps courts decide a case.
Example: CCTV footage of a theft is evidence.
Affidavit
Meaning: A written statement under oath declaring something is true.
Example: A student submits an affidavit stating their documents are genuine.
Litigation
Meaning: The process of taking a dispute to court.
Example: A property disagreement between two brothers becomes litigation when taken to court.
Statute
Meaning: A law passed by Parliament or a state legislature.
Example: The Right to Education Act is a statute.
Appeal
Meaning: Asking a higher court to review the decision of a lower court.
Example: If a person is unhappy with a district court judgment, they can appeal to the High Court.
Warrant
Meaning: A court order allowing police to arrest or search.
Example: Police need a search warrant to check someone’s house.
Jurisdiction
Meaning: The power of a court to hear a case.
Example: A Delhi court cannot hear a murder case that happened in Mumbai — it’s not under its jurisdiction.
Arbitration
Meaning: A method of solving disputes outside court by a neutral person (arbitrator).
Example: Two companies disagree over a contract and choose arbitration instead of court.
Summons
Meaning: A notice ordering someone to appear in court.
Example: A witness receives a summons to testify in court.
Contract
Meaning: A legally binding agreement between two or more parties.
Example: If you sign an agreement to rent a house, that is a contract.
Tort
Meaning: A civil wrong causing loss or harm to someone.
Example: If someone spreads false news ruining your reputation, it is a tort of defamation.
Injunction
Meaning: A court order to stop someone from doing something.
Example: Court issues an injunction stopping a builder from selling disputed land.
Acquittal
Meaning: When the court says the accused is not guilty.
Example: If there is no proof against a person in a theft case, the court may acquit them.
Conviction
Meaning: When the court declares an accused guilty.
Example: If evidence proves someone committed fraud, the court gives a conviction.
Verdict
Meaning: Final decision given by the court or jury.
Example: The judge announced a verdict declaring the accused not guilty.
Habeas Corpus
Meaning: A legal order to produce a person who is detained illegally.
Example: If police hold someone without reason, the family can file habeas corpus.
PIL (Public Interest Litigation)
Meaning: Case filed for public welfare, not personal benefit.
Example: A lawyer files a PIL to stop illegal tree cutting in a city.
Allegation
Meaning: A claim that someone has done something wrong, not yet proven.
Example: A woman makes an allegation of harassment against her boss.
Charge Sheet
Meaning: A document filed by police listing all charges after investigation.
Example: After investigating a robbery, police file a charge sheet in court.
Deposition
Meaning: Recorded statement given under oath during investigation or trial.
Example: A witness gives a deposition explaining what they saw during the accident.
Damages
Meaning: Money awarded to someone for loss or injury.
Example: A company pays damages to its employee who got injured at work.
Alibi
Meaning: Proof that a person was somewhere else when the crime happened.
Example: The accused gave an alibi showing he was at work during the incident.
Statute of Limitations
Meaning: The time period within which a case must be filed.
Example: Some fraud cases must be filed within 3 years — after that, the statute of limitations expires.
Perjury
Meaning: Lying under oath in court.
Example: If a witness knowingly lies during testimony, it is perjury.
Cross-Examination
Meaning: Questioning a witness by the other party’s lawyer.
Example: After the witness speaks, the defense lawyer begins cross-examination.
Subpoena
Meaning: Court order requiring someone to appear or produce documents.
Example: Court issues a subpoena asking a company to submit financial records.
Indictment
Meaning: Formal accusation that a person committed a serious crime.
Example: The court issued an indictment against the businessman for fraud.
Settlement
Meaning: Agreement between parties to resolve a dispute without a trial.
Example: Two companies reach a settlement and avoid going to court.
Accomplice
Meaning: A person who helps another person commit a crime.
Example: The driver who helped a thief escape is an accomplice.
Confession
Meaning: When an accused person admits they committed the crime.
Example: The thief gave a confession at the police station.
Mediation
Meaning: A dispute resolution method where a mediator helps both parties reach an agreement.
Example: A couple tries mediation before filing for divorce.
Power of Attorney (POA)
Meaning: Legal right given to someone to act on your behalf.
Example: An NRI gives Power of Attorney to his brother to sell property in India.
Testimony
Meaning: A formal statement or proof presented in court.
Example: The witness’s testimony helped solve the case.
Summarily
Meaning: Deciding a case quickly without a detailed trial.
Example: Minor traffic cases may be decided summarily.
Relevant Sections/Acts
| Legal Term | Act / Section | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| FIR (First Information Report) | Section 154, Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) | The first complaint recorded by police when a cognizable offence occurs. |
| Bail | Sections 436–450, CrPC | Temporary release of an accused person while awaiting trial. |
| Cognizable Offence | Section 2(c), CrPC | Crime where police can arrest without a warrant (e.g., murder, kidnapping). |
| Non-Cognizable Offence | Section 2(l), CrPC | Crime where police need a warrant to arrest (e.g., defamation, minor assault). |
| Summons Case | Section 2(w), CrPC | Less serious case where punishment is below 2 years. |
| Warrant Case | Section 2(x), CrPC | Serious crimes with punishment above 2 years. |
| Charge Sheet | Section 173, CrPC | Final police report submitted to court after investigation. |
| Mens Rea (Guilty Mind) | Major principle in criminal law | Intent or knowledge of wrongdoing that forms part of a crime. |
| Actus Reus (Guilty Act) | Major principle in criminal law | The physical action of committing a crime. |
| Contract | Section 2(h), Indian Contract Act, 1872 | A legally enforceable agreement. |
| Offer | Section 2(a), Contract Act | When one person expresses willingness to enter an agreement. |
| Acceptance | Section 2(b), Contract Act | When the offer is agreed to—makes a binding contract. |
| Tort | Common law principle | A civil wrong leading to compensation (e.g., negligence). |
| Defamation | Sections 499–500, IPC | Spoken or written statement harming someone’s reputation. |
| Theft | Section 378, IPC | Dishonestly taking someone’s property without permission. |
| Murder | Section 300, IPC | Intentional killing of a person. |
| Culpable Homicide | Section 299, IPC | Causing death without the intention to kill (less serious than murder). |
| Burden of Proof | Evidence Act, Section 101 | The responsibility to prove one’s claim in court. |
| Habeas Corpus | Article 32, Constitution of India | A writ used to release someone unlawfully detained. |
| Injunction | Civil Procedure Code | Court order stopping someone from doing something. |
| Affidavit | Evidence Act | A written statement confirmed by oath, used as evidence. |
Conclusion
Understanding legal terms helps students perform better in law exams, strengthens legal careers, and makes citizens more aware of their rights. These basic terms form the backbone of legal communication and are essential for anyone involved in or studying law. Learning them early builds clarity and confidence while dealing with legal matters