Common Legal Words in Courtrooms Every Law Aspirant Must Know

Preparing for law entrance exams like CLAT, AILET, LSAT, or Judiciary Exams is not just about mastering legal principles—it also requires a strong legal vocabulary. Many questions test your understanding of courtroom terms, legal maxims, and procedures.

Here is a curated list of common legal words in courtrooms, explained in simple language with examples, to help you boost your word power and excel in your exams.

Basic Court Terms

1.Affidavit – A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation.

Example: Ravi submitted an affidavit declaring his income before the court.

2. Pleading – A formal written statement of a party’s claims or defenses.

Example: The defendant filed a pleading denying the charges.

3, Summons – An official notice to appear in court.

Example: The court issued a summons to the witness to testify.

4. Notice – Written intimation about legal proceedings or requirements.

Example: A notice was served to the tenant for eviction.

5. Warrant – An order by a court to arrest or search.

Example: The police executed a search warrant at the suspect’s house.

6. Bail – Release of an accused on security, pending trial.

Example: The accused was granted bail after furnishing surety.

Court Proceedings

1. Adjournment – Postponement of a hearing to another date.

Example: The judge granted an adjournment due to the lawyer’s absence.

2. Cross-examination – Questioning of a witness by the opposite party.

Example: The defense lawyer cross-examined the prosecution’s witness.

3. Objection – A formal protest against improper evidence or questions.

Example: The lawyer raised an objection to the irrelevant question.

4. Argument – Oral submissions by lawyers to persuade the court.

Example: The closing arguments were presented before the judgment.

5. Evidence – Material presented to prove or disprove facts.

Example: The DNA report was produced as evidence.

6. Exhibit – A document or physical item produced in court.

Example: The murder weapon was marked as Exhibit A.

7. Perjury – Giving false evidence under oath.

Example: The witness was charged with perjury for lying in court.

Case Process Terms

1. Plaintiff – The person who files a civil case.

Example: The plaintiff sought compensation for damages.

2. Defendant/Respondent – The person against whom the case is filed.

Example: The defendant denied all allegations.

3. Petitioner – A person who files a petition (constitutional/miscellaneous).

Example: The petitioner challenged the law in the Supreme Court.

4. Opposite Party – The other side in a dispute.

Example: The opposite party submitted additional documents.

5. Cause of Action – Legal reason for filing a suit.

Example: Breach of contract gave rise to a cause of action.

6. Jurisdiction – The court’s authority to hear a case.

Example: The High Court has jurisdiction over the matter.

7. Limitation – The legal time period within which a case must be filed.

Example: The suit was dismissed as it was filed beyond limitation.

 Orders & Judgments

1. Decree – Final decision in a civil case.

Example: The court passed a decree for partition of property.

2. Order – A formal direction by a court (interim or final).

Example: The judge passed an order restraining construction.

3. Interim Relief – Temporary protection till final disposal of the case.

Example: Interim relief was granted to prevent demolition.

4. Injunction – An order restraining a party from doing something.

Example: The company obtained an injunction against product copying.

5. Stay Order – Suspension of a proceeding or order.

Example: The High Court issued a stay order on the eviction.

6. Judgment – The court’s reasoning and decision in a case.

Example: The judgment was delivered after hearing both parties.

7. Revision – A challenge to a higher court against a judgment.

Example: The accused filed a revision petition before the High Court.

Why Learning Legal Vocabulary is Important for Law Aspirants?

• Helps in comprehension of legal passages in CLAT/AILET exams.
• Strengthens answer writing in descriptive law papers.
• Improves mock trial participation and legal debates.
• Enhances confidence while reading case laws and judgments.

Quick Tip to Boost Retention

• Make flashcards of these words with meanings.
• Practice with real-life examples and case studies.
• Revise daily to build a strong legal vocabulary bank.

Also Read: Careers after Law

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