Legal maxims for CLAT 2026 are short and authoritative statements representing legal principles and guiding legal decision-making. Legal Maxims for CLAT 2026 form an essential component of the legal aptitude segment within the CLAT exam.
- CLAT legal maxims are used to test the understanding of aspiring lawyers.
- They provide a passage where you must interpret a specific maxim's meaning.
- Legal Maxims for CLAT 2026 are specifically categorized within the legal knowledge section
- You can expect to get 4-5 questions in the Legal Reasoning section of CLAT 2026 question paper.
Aspirants preparing for the upcoming CLAT examination should have a comprehensive grasp of the important Legal Maxims. This article delves into the explanation of Legal Maxims for CLAT, encompassing their definition, crucial phases, sample questions, and strategies for effective responses.
Key Summary
- Legal maxims are used to test the understanding of aspiring lawyers
- Every year, you will get atleast 4-5 questions in the Legal Reasoning section of CLAT 2026 question paper.
- Legal Maxims, in other word Latin Terms are incorporated in CLAT Legal Reasoning section along with their English meaning.
- You will be given a Legal maxim and a question related to that with 4 options. These are MCQs where you need to select the correct one.
- Legal Maxim Books and Online resources are helpful for CLAT 2026 exam preparation.
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Table of Contents |
What are Legal Maxims for CLAT 2026?
Legal Maxims are legal doctrines, and proposals, used by law experts in everyday legal matters. These maxims, often expressed in Latin, trace their origins to the Medieval period in European states, where Latin served as the official language. These Legal Maxims are used within law frame as a basis for sound judgments.
- These principles play a significant role in applying current laws fairly and justly.
- Legal Maxims don't have legal authority on their own
- When courts use them to make legal decisions or when legislatures adopt them in creating laws, they become legally binding
- Legal maxims form the basis for making sound judgments.
- Legal maxims play a significant role in legal education and practice.
The video by Priya Jain explains all the legal maxims for CLAT 2026. You will also get a Quiz in the video that you can solve to understand your strength and weakness.
Also Read
CLAT Legal Reasoning PreparationImportant Legal Maxims Phrases for CLAT 2026
The below table lists out the important legal maxims with their meanings.
| Latin / Legal Maxim | Meaning / Translation |
|---|---|
| Ab extra | From outside |
| Absoluta sententia expositore non indiget | An absolute judgment needs no expositor |
| Abundans cautela non nocet | Abundant caution does no harm |
| Accessorium non ducit sed sequitur suum principale | An accessory does not draw, but follows its principal |
| Accessorius sequitur | An accessory cannot be guilty of a more serious crime than the principal offender |
| Ab initio | From the beginning |
| Actus Curiae Neminem Gravabit | An act of the Court shall prejudice no man |
| Actus Non Facit Reum Nisi Mens Sit Rea | The intent and act must both concur to constitute the crime |
| Audi Alterem Partem | No man shall be condemned unheard |
| Actori incumbit onus probandi | The burden of proof lies on the plaintiff |
| Actus Reus | A guilty act |
| Amicus curiae | A friend of the court |
| Audi alteram partem | Hear the other side |
| Ad hoc | For this purpose only |
| Benignae faciendae sunt interpretationes chartarum, ut res magis valeat quam pereat | Liberal constructions are to be made so that the deed may have effect rather than fail |
| Boni judicis est ampliare jurisdictionem | It is the part of a good judge to enlarge remedial authority |
| Bona fide | In good faith |
| Bona Vacantia | Goods without an owner |
| Boni judicis lites dirimere est | It is the duty of a good judge to prevent litigation |
| Bis dat qui cito dat | He gives twice who gives quickly |
| Caveat | A caution registered with the court to prevent action without notice |
| Caveat actor | Let the doer beware |
| Caveat emptor | Let the buyer beware |
| Caveat venditor | Let the seller beware |
| Certiorari | A writ quashing orders of an inferior court |
| Communis hostis omnium | The common enemy of all |
| Corpus | Body |
| Corpus delicti | Concrete evidence of a crime (e.g., a dead body) |
| Cusjus est dare ejus est disponere | He who has a right to give has a right to dispose |
| De Facto | Existing in actuality (not by law) |
| Dominus Litis | Master of the suit |
| Donatio Mortis Causa | A gift in anticipation of death |
| Damnum sine injuria | Damage without legal injury |
| Debitum in praesenti, solvendum in futuro | Present debt, payable in the future |
| De bonis asportatis | Of goods carried away |
| De bonis non administratis | Of goods not administered |
| De die in diem | From day to day |
| De jure | By law, in accordance with the law |
| De novo | Starting afresh |
| Debile fundamentum fallit opus | A weak foundation causes the work to fail |
| Debita sequuntur personam debitoria | Debts follow the debtor |
| Debitor non praesumitur donare | A debtor is not presumed to make a gift |
| Dies Dominicus non est juridicus | Sunday is not a day in law |
| Discretio est discernere per legem quid sit justum | Discretion is to discern through law what is just |
| Doli incapax | Incapable of crime |
| Dominium | Ownership |
| Dubitante | Doubting the correctness of a decision |
| Ex injuria jus non oritur | Law does not arise from injustice |
| Estoppel | Prevented from denying |
| Ex gratia | As a favour |
| Ex officio | Because of an office held |
| Ex parte | Proceedings in absence of the other party |
| Ex post facto | After the fact |
| Fatum | Beyond human foresight |
| Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat | The burden of proof lies on him who affirms, not denies |
| Error, qui non resistitur approbatur | An error not resisted is approved |
| Ex cathedra | With official authority |
| Firmior et potentior est operatio legis quam dispositio hominis | Law is stronger than the will of man |
| Functus officio | No longer having power or jurisdiction |
| Fraus est celare fraudem | Concealing a fraud is itself fraud |
| Fraud est odiosa et non praesumenda | Fraud is odious and not to be presumed |
| Falsa demonstratio non nocet | A false description does not vitiate |
| Fatetur facinus qui judicium fugit | He who flees judgment confesses guilt |
| Felix qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas | Happy he who understands causes of things |
| Felonia implicatur in qualibet proditione | Felony is implied in treason |
| Festinatio justitiae est noverca infortunii | Hurrying justice is the stepmother of misfortune |
| Fructus naturales | Natural produce |
| Generale nihil certum implicat | A general expression implies nothing certain |
| Generalis regula generaliter est intelligenda | A general rule is to be generally understood |
| Generalia praecedunt, specialia sequuntur | General things precede, special follow |
| Generalia specialibus non derogant | General things do not derogate from special |
| Habeas Corpus | You have the body |
| Ipse Dixit | He himself said it |
| Injuria sine damno | Violation of right without harm |
| Ignorantia juris non excusat | Ignorance of law excuses no one |
| Ipso facto | By the very fact |
| In Camera | In private |
| In promptu | In readiness |
| In lieu of | Instead of |
| In personam | Relief against a specific person |
| Innuendo | Defamatory double meaning |
| In status quo | In the present state |
| Leges Posteriores Priores Contrarias Abrogant | Later laws repeal earlier contrary ones |
| Lex Non Cogit Ad Impossiblia | The law compels not impossibilities |
| Locus Standi | The right to appear in court |
| Nemo debet esse judex in propria causa | No one should judge his own cause |
| Nemo dat quod non habet | One cannot give what he does not have |
| Noscitur a sociis | A word is known by its associates |
| Mandamus | A writ commanding an authority to perform its duty |
| Judex est lex loquens | A judge is the law speaking |
| Judex non potest esse testis in propria causa | A judge cannot be witness in his own cause |
| Judicis est judicare secundum allegata et probata | Duty of a judge is to decide by proofs |
| Lex dabit remedium | The law will provide a remedy |
| Mala fide | In bad faith |
| Mala in se | Bad in themselves |
| Nemo bis punitur pro eodem delicto | No one shall be twice punished for the same offence |
| Nemo plus juris transferre potest quam ipse habet | One cannot transfer greater rights than one has |
| Novation | Replacing a contract with a new one |
| Non est factum | Not his deed |
| Obiter Dicta | Observations not forming ratio decidendi |
| Optima legum interpres est consuetudo | Custom is the best interpreter of laws |
| Pari passu | On equal footing |
| Prima facie | On the face of it |
| Pro rata | In proportion |
| Post mortem | After death |
| Quid pro quo | Something for something |
| Quo warranto | By what authority |
| Res Judicata | A matter already judged |
| Ratio decidendi | The rule of law on which a decision rests |
| Res gestae | Things done (part of same transaction) |
| Respondeat superior | Let the principal answer |
| Rex non potest peccare | The King can do no wrong |
| Salus populi est suprema lex | Safety of the people is supreme law |
| Sine die | Without a fixed date |
| Sine qua non | Without which not |
| Suo Motu | On its own motion |
| Status quo | Present state |
| Ubi jus ibi remedium | Where there is a right, there is a remedy |
| Verba debent intelligi cum effectu | Words should be understood with effect |
| Volenti non fit injuria | To one who consents, no injury is done |
| Vox populi | Voice of the people |
| Waiver | Voluntary giving up of a right |
Also Read
Legal Maxims for CLAT 2026 MCQs
- Actio personalis moritur cum persona
Question: What maxim states that tort or contract actions are destroyed by the death of the injured or injured party?
Options:
a) An action is not given to one who is not injured
b) A personal right of action dies with the person
c) The burden of proof lies with the plaintiff
d) The act of law does no wrong
Answer: (b) A maxim stating that tort or contract actions are destroyed by the death of the injured or injured party.
- Actus Non Facit Reum Nisi Mens Sit Rea
Question: What does the Latin phrase mean in English, especially in the context of men’s rea in criminal law?
Options:
a) The laws are adapted to those cases which occur more frequently
b) For a perpetual memorial for the matter
c) The act does not make one guilty unless there is a guilty intent
d) Alienation is preferred by law rather than accumulation
Answer: (c) An act does not make one guilty without a guilty mind. This Latin phrase is often given as the pinnacle of the English common law criminal justice system and is usually in the context of men’s rea. It states that for any act to be illegal in nature it must be done with a guilty mind.
- Alibi
Question: What does the term 'Alibi' signify in the context of criminal law?
Options:
a) A friend of the court
b) From elsewhere
c) Equity follows the law
d) At another place
Answer: (d) A claim or a piece of evidence when an act, typically a criminal, is alleged to have occurred. In a criminal action, defense is that the defendant was somewhere other than the scene of the crime when the crime was committed.
- Assentio Mentium
Question: What is the Latin definition for a meeting of minds regarding the terms and conditions of the contract?
Options:
a) The meeting of minds
b) In good faith
c) An argument directed at the person
d) Injury without damage
Answer: (a) Latin definition for a meeting of minds regarding the terms and conditions of the contract.
- Bona Vacantia
Question: What does the legal concept of 'Bona Vacantia' imply?
Options:
a) Goods without an owner
b) Let the seller beware
c) To the extreme contrary
d) The law does not note trifling matters
Answer: (a) Bona Vacatia is a legal concept associated with a property that has no owner. It exists in various jurisdictions but with origins mostly in English law.
- Caveat Emptor
Question: What is the principle behind 'Caveat Emptor' in commercial transactions?
Options:
a) Let the buyer beware
b) Let the seller beware
c) Let the respondent beware
d) Let the principal beware
Answer: (a) It is the principle that states that the buyer alone is responsible for checking the quality and the sustainability of the goods before a purchase is made. In the law of commercial transactions, the principle is that the buyer purchases at his own risk in the absence of an express warranty in the contract.
- Corpus Delicti
Question: What does the term 'Corpus Delicti' signify in a criminal context?
Options:
a) Show me the body
b) Where is the body
c) The body of crime
d) The guilty person in a crime
Answer: (c) Material substance (such as the body of the victim of a murder) upon which a crime has been committed.
- De Minimis Lex non Curat
Question: What is the legal principle behind 'De Minimis Lex non Curat'?
Options:
a) Incapable of a crime
b) A crime committed by a minor
c) The law does not notice trifling matters
d) By reason of a subsequent act
Answer: (c) A common law principle whereby the judges will not sit in the judgment of extremely minor transgressions of the law. The principle is that the law is not concerned with insignificant or minor matters.
- Ex Post Facto
Question: What does the term 'Ex Post Facto' signify in legal terms?
Options:
a) By reason of a subsequent act
b) Of the same kind
c) Amongst other things
d) By that very fact
Answer: It is a law that retroactively changes the legal consequence of actions that were committed or relationships that existed before the enactment of the law.
- Ignorantia Juris non Excusat
Question: What does the legal maxim 'Ignorantia Juris non Excusat' imply?
Options:
a) Ignorance of fact is not an excuse
b) Ignorance of a law is not an excuse
c) A personal right of action is not available to the person
d) By whose authority
Answer: (b) It is a legal principle holding that a person who is unaware of a law may not escape the liability for violating it merely because one was unaware of its content.
- In Limine
Question: What is a motion in limine in legal proceedings?
Options:
a) In the meanwhile
b) On the threshold
c) By the very fact
d) None of the above
Answer: (b) A motion in limine is a motion that is tabled by one of the parties at the very beginning of the legal procedures and seeks to pull the rug out from under the feet of the other party, usually
to ask the judge to exclude certain evidence. The judge decides this motion in both civil and criminal proceedings.
- Injuria Sine Damnum
Question: What does 'Injuria Sine Damnum' imply in legal terms?
Options:
a) Damage without injury
b) Injury without damage
c) Let the buyer beware
d) One is responsible for their actions
Answer: (b) It means that injury caused to a party without actually suffering any physical harm or damage. The injury pertains to the infringement of rights pertaining to a person. The meaning of the above maxim is the infringement of an absolute private right without any actual loss or damage. This was first established in the Gloucester grammar school case.
- Inter Vivos
Question: What does the legal term 'Inter Vivos' refer to?
Options:
a) Bring me the body
b) By reason of a subsequent act
c) Between living persons
d) Between two minors
Answer: (c) Is a legal term referring to a transfer or a gift made during one’s lifetime under the subject of trust.
- Jus Cogens
Question: What does 'Jus Cogens' mean in international law?
Options:
a) The peremptory norm of general international law
b) The recognition of certain practices like law
c) Implied jurisdiction of the ICJ
d) The treaties are legally binding
Answer: (a) It is a fundamental principle of international law that is accepted by the international community of states as a norm from which no derogation is permitted.
- Jus Naturale
Question: What does 'Jus Naturale' signify in legal philosophy?
Options:
a) Living law
b) Natural law
c) Positive law
d) Natural justice
Answer: (b) Natural law is a philosophy that ascertains that certain rights are inherent by human nature, traditionally by god, and something that can be understood universally through human reason. It is a law system based on fundamental right and wrong ideas.
- Mala In se
Question: What does the Latin phrase 'Mala In se' imply?
Options:
a) We command
b) Where is the body
c) Guilty state of mind
d) Bad in themselves
Answer: (d) Is a Latin phrase meaning wrong or evil. The phrase is used to conduct assessed as sinful or inherently wrong by nature, independent of regulations governing the conduct.
- Non-sequitur
Question: What is the definition of 'Non-sequitur' in legal terms?
Options:
a) An inconsistent statement
b) Guilty state of mind
c) No one can be a judge in his own cause
d) In the matter of
Answer: (a) A conclusion or a statement that does not logically follow from the previous argument or statement.
- Obiter Dicta
Question: What does 'Obiter Dicta' signify in a legal context?
Options:
a) As much as it deserved
b) Under judicial consideration
c) Reason for being a part of the judgment
d) Things said in the passing of a judgment
Answer: (c) A judge’s expression of opinion uttered in court or in a written judgment, but not essential to the decision and therefore not legally binding as a precedent.
- Pacta sunt servanda
Question: What is the meaning of 'Pacta sunt servanda' in legal terms?
Options:
a) Treaties are legally binding
b) Treaties are legally binding only to the contracting parties
c) Goods without an owner
d) With the intention of making a will
Answer: (a) A Latin word for agreements is binding. It is a basic principle of civil, international, and canon law. The principle refers to private contracts, stressing that contained clauses are to be termed as the law between the parties.
- Pari Passu
Question: What does 'Pari Passu' signify in legal contexts?
Options:
a) An amount
b) In proportion
c) In the opinion of the court
d) On an equal footing
Answer: (d) Is a Latin phrase that describes situations where two or more assets, securities, creditors or obligations are equally managed without situations.
- Per Curium
Question: What does 'Per Curium' denote in appellate court decisions?
Options:
a) In the opinion of the court
b) An inconsistent statement
c) To persuade someone to do the act
d) A judge in his own cause
Answer: (a) Denoting the appellate court's decision in a unanimous agreement written anonymously. A Per Curiam decision is a ruling issued by an appellate court of multiple judges in which the decision rendered is made by the court acting collectively.
- Persona non-grata
Question: What does 'Persona non-grata' refer to in legal terms?
Options:
a) By the fact itself
b) Person non-wanted
c) State recognition of law
d) Principle of equity
Answer: (b) It refers to a foreign person whose entry or remaining in a country is prohibited by that country’s government.
- Quanto Merit
Question: What is the definition of 'Quanto Merit' in legal contexts?
Options:
a) As much as it deserved
b) The things speak for itself
c) An act done in return for something else
d) An act done for merit
Answer: (a) A reasonable sum of money to be paid for the services rendered or work done when the amount is due as not stipulated in a legally enforceable contract.
- Qui Facit per Alium Facit per se
Question: What fundamental legal maxim is represented by 'Qui Facit per Alium Facit per se'?
Options:
a) He who acts through another acts by himself
b) Something for something
c) At the outset, on the threshold
d) Against the whole world
Answer: (a) It is a fundamental legal maxim of the law of agency. It is a maxim often stated in discussing an employer’s liability for the act of the employee.
- Quo Warranto
Question: What is the legal significance of 'Quo Warranto' as a legal writ?
Options:
a) By whose authority
b) On the face of it
c) Bring me the body
d) Command the authority
Answer: (a) It is a writ requiring the person to whom it is directed to show
Also Read
CLAT Exam AnalysisBooks to Prepare Legal Maxims for CLAT 2026
These books cover legal maxims and can be helpful resources for preparing for CLAT 2026.
| Name of the Books | Authors/Publishers |
|---|---|
| Legal Maxims with Observations and Cases | George Frederick Wharton |
| A Selection of Legal Maxims | Herbert Broom |
| Legal Maxims for CLAT | Kanoon Prakashak Agency |
| Broom’s Legal Maxims | Rupin Pawha |
Quick Links:
| CLAT 2026 English Preparation | CLAT 2026 General Knowledge Preparation | CLAT 2026 Quantitative Techniques Preparation |
How to Prepare Legal Maxims for CLAT 2026?
Review Previous Year Papers: It's essential to study past CLAT question papers to familiarize yourself with the types of legal maxim questions asked in the exam. This practice aids in better comprehension of the Legal Maxims topics relevant for CLAT 2026.
Engage in Mock Tests: Utilize resources such as the BYJU’S Exam Prep CLAT Test Series to enhance your proficiency in solving Legal Maxims questions for CLAT. Regularly attempting mock tests can significantly improve your preparation.
Use Online Resources: Explore online platforms for comprehensive information on Important Legal Maxims specific to CLAT 2026. These resources offer valuable insights into the syllabus related to legal maxims. Take notes while studying to consolidate your understanding.
Read How to Prepare for CLAT 2026 and Last Minute Tips
Legal Maxims for CLAT 2026 FAQs
Ques. What are Legal Maxims for CLAT?
Ans. Legal Maxims for CLAT are fundamental principles expressed in Latin or other languages, governing legal concepts and doctrines. They serve as guiding principles in legal matters and court decisions. Around 4-5 questions are expected from legal maxims topic in CLAT Legal Reasoning section.
Ques. How do Legal Maxims for CLAT help in understanding legal concepts?
Ans. Legal Maxims provide a foundation for comprehending legal theories, aiding in the interpretation of laws and ensuring fair and just decisions in legal proceedings.
Ques. Why are Legal Maxims significant in CLAT preparation?
Ans. Legal Maxims constitute an integral part of the legal aptitude section in CLAT exams. Understanding these maxims is crucial for answering related questions accurately.
Ques. How can one effectively prepare for Legal Maxims in CLAT 2026?
Ans. To prepare, review previous exam papers, engage in mock tests specific to Legal Maxims, and utilize online resources providing comprehensive coverage of the subject.
Ques. What role do Legal Maxims play in the legal system despite lacking direct legal authority?
Ans. While not having direct legal authority, Legal Maxims often influence court decisions, legislative interpretations, and the framing of laws, serving as guiding principles for fair judgments.
Ques. Could you explain the relevance of studying Legal Maxims within the CLAT syllabus?
Ans. Studying Legal Maxims is crucial for the CLAT exam as it tests candidates' understanding of legal principles and their ability to apply these maxims in various legal scenarios.
Ques. How can books and resources on Legal Maxims aid in CLAT preparation?
Ans. Books on Legal Maxims provide extensive coverage, explanations, and case studies related to these principles, aiding in a thorough understanding and effective preparation for the exam.
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