Before starting your preparation for the CLAT 2026 exam, it is crucial to clearly understand the important legal maxims. This article provides definitions, 180+ legal maxims that could appear in the CLAT 2026 question paper, and answers to other frequently asked questions.
Important Legal Maxims For CLAT 2026
Legal maxims are a crucial component of the Legal Aptitude section in the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). This section is considered one of the most challenging parts of the CLAT 2026 exam. Candidates can expect to encounter at least 4-5 questions based on legal maxims in this section.
Explore colleges based on CLAT
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.Also Read: Idioms and Proverbs for CLAT 2026 With Meaning
Before you prepare for the CLAT 2026 Exam, you must clearly understand the Important Legal Maxims for CLAT 2026. In this article, we bring forward to you its definition, 180+ legal maxims that can be asked in the CLAT question paper 2025, and other frequently asked questions.
Q: Which is the most difficult section of the CLAT 2025?
Q: What is a good rank for CLAT?
Students who wish to be admitted to this university should strive for a score of roughly 70% (80-84 marks) or above under the revised pattern. Because the CLAT cut-off marks are lower for reserved categories, a rank of about 4000 would be suitable for admission. According to CLAT 2024 analysis, candidates from the general category should aim for a score of 90 or more in order to be admitted to one of the top three NLUs. In CLAT 2024, 60–70 points are considered a decent score for SC/ST categories. The Consortium of NLUs will release the closing rank of candidates for each round at the time of CLAT counselling.
Q: Is CLAT a tough exam?
Also Read: What is a good score in CLAT 2026? How to get a high rank?
What are Legal Maxims for CLAT?
CLAT legal maxims are rooted in legal principles or moral philosophy and are often expressed in Latin. They are a specialised language for legal professionals. Judiciary members or jurists frequently use legal maxims when delivering judgments to ensure consistency with precedent case laws. These maxims are essential for advocates as they provide key terms and concepts that are crucial in legal proceedings.
Explore more Law exams with upcoming dates
13 Dec '24 - 20 Dec '24
23 Dec '24 - 26 Dec '24
5 Aug '24 - 1 Jan '25
1 Jan '25 - 14 Jan '25
15 Jan '25 - 20 Feb '25
21 Feb '25
4 Apr '25
1 Dec '24 - 22 Jan '25
13 Mar '25 - 8 Apr '25
Understanding and mastering legal maxims can significantly enhance a candidate's ability to perform well in law exams. For CLAT 2025 aspirants, learning these maxims is essential for answering questions accurately and scoring high marks. The Legal Awareness/Legal Aptitude/Legal Knowledge section constitutes a significant portion of the CLAT exam. Therefore, practicing and solving a substantial number of questions from this section will help candidates excel in the exam.
Also Read: CLAT 2026 Preparation: How to attempt questions in Legal Reasoning section?
List of Important Legal Maxims for CLAT 2026
Candidates can check the list of important legal maxims for CLAT Exam 2026 below:
A vinculo matrimoni: From the bond of matrimony
Q: Is 4000 a good rank in CLAT?
A CLAT rank of 4000 is not considered as a good rank to get admission to one of the top NLUs. However, candidates who belong the reserved category still have chance to secure admission to NLUs with a CLAT Rank of AIR 4000.With the exam pattern for CLAT changing, candidates must aim to score above 100 to secure admission to one of the best NLUs in the country. Before starting the CLAT Preparation 2025 candidates need to understand how the marks are divided in each section.
Q: What is a good CLAT score?
Aspirants who appeared for the CLAT 2025 Exam should have a clear idea about a good CLAT score. CLAT is a very competitive exam and candidates need to score high to clear the cutoff. All those candidates who appeared for the CLAT 2025 are advised to check out the previous year's CLAT cutoff scores and get a fair idea of the trends that are being followed by the NLUs in the country. A score above 100 is definitely considered as a good score for CLAT 2025. Candidates must note that the expected CLAT cutoff score for NLUSIU Bangalore is 100 plus, whereas, for NLU Kolkata, NLU Jodhpur and NLU Bhopal, the expected score is between 94 to 98. Candidates who wish to take admission into NALSAR Hyderabad they need to score between 98 to 100.
Q: Which is the No. 1 university in CLAT?
Since 2018, the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru has maintained its position as the top-ranked law college in India according to the NIRF rankings.
Q: Is CLAT LLM exam tough or easy?
CLAT is one of the highly competitive law exam and is considered to be one of the toughest exams to clear. However, aspirants should not worry, as with the right preparation and attitude you can definitely ace in the CLAT exam. The toppers of CLAT have suggested that aspirants should trust BA LLB books and a habit to read newspaper daily to crack the CLAT PG exam. The difficulty level of CLAT paper is usually moderate. For complete insights on CLAT paper difficulty level, check analysis for current and previous years above.
Q: When should I start preparing for CLAT 2025?
The ideal time to start preparing for the CLAT exam varies from person to person and depends on several factors such as your familiarity with the subject, the level of understanding of the topics covered in the syllabus, and the amount of time and effort you can devote to the preparation. However, as a general guideline, it is recommended that you start preparing for the exam at least 6-8 months before the exam date. This will give you sufficient time to cover the entire syllabus, revise the important topics, solve mock tests and previous year papers, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. If you are already familiar with the subject and have a good understanding of the topics covered in the syllabus, you can start preparing for the exam 3-4 months before the exam date. However, if you are new to the subject or need to improve your understanding of the topics, you may need to start preparing earlier. It is important to note that the CLAT exam is a highly competitive exam, and the level of competition is increasing every year. Therefore, it is important to start preparing early and stay consistent with your preparation. With a focused approach and consistent effort, you can increase your chances of qualifying for the CLAT exam.
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: One who is an accessory to the crime 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 or Court Actions could be heavy.
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 deed or 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 and interpretations are different, so they have an effect rather than fail.
Boni judicis est ampliare jurisdictionem: It is the part of a good judge to enlarge his jurisdiction, i.e. remedial authority
Bona fide: In good faith.
Bona Vacantia: Goods without an owner or goods on which there’s no claim of ownership.
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 public court to indicate to the officials that they are not to act in the matter mentioned in the caveat without first giving notice to the caveator.
Caveat actor: Let the doer beware.
Caveat emptor: Let the buyer beware.
Caveat venditor: Let the seller beware.
Certiorari: A writ by which orders passed by an inferior court is quashed.
Communis hostis omnium: They are common enemies of all. The common enemy of everyone. Read with section 4(2) of IPC.
Corpus: Body.
Corpus delicti: The facts and circumstances constituting a crime and Concrete evidence of a crime, such as a corpse (dead body).
Cusjus est dare ejus est disponere: He who has a right to give has a right to dispose of the gift.
De Facto: Existing in actuality, especially when contrary to or not established by law.
Dominus Litis: Owner of riot
Donatio Mortis Causa: A gift in anticipationof death.
Damnum sine injuria: Damage without legal injury.
Debitum in praesenti, solvendum in futuro: Debt in present, to be paid in 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 – In accordance with the law.
De novo – Starting afresh.
Debile fundamentum fallit opus: Where there is a weak foundation, the work fails.
Debita sequuntur personam debitoria: Debts follow the person of 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 the decision.
Ex injuria jus non oritur: Law (or right) does not arise from injustice
Estoppel: Prevented from denying.
Ex gratia: As favour.
Ex officio: Because of an office held.
Ex parte: Proceedings in the absence of the other party.
Ex post facto: Out of the aftermath, or After the fact.
Fatum: Beyond human foresight.
Ei incumbit probatio qui: The onus of proving a fact rests upon the man
Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat: The burden of the proof lies upon him who affirms, not he who denies.
Error, qui non resistitur approbatur: An error not resisted is approved.
Et cetera: Other things of that type.
Ex cathedra: With official authority.
Fatum: An act or a deed
Firmior et potentior est operatio legis quam dispositio hominis: The operation of law is firmerand more powerful than the will of a man
Functus officio: No longer having power or jurisdiction. It also refers to an officer or agency whose mandate has expired, due to either the arrival of an expiry date or an agency having accomplished the purpose for which it was created.
Fraus est celare fraudem: It is a fraud to conceal a fraud.
Fraud est odiosa et non praesumenda: Fraud is odious(read: extreme offense) and is not to be presumed.
Falsa demonstratio non nocet: A false description does not vitiate.
Fatetur facinus qui judicium fugit: He who flees judgment confesses his guilt.
Felix qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas: Happy is he who has been able to understand the causes of things
Felonia implicatur in qualibet proditione: Felony is implied in every treason
Festinatio justitiae est noverca infortunii: The hurrying of justice is the stepmother of misfortune
Fructus naturales: Vegetation which grows naturally without cultivation.
Generale nihil certum implicat: A general expression implies nothing certain.
Generalis regula generaliter est intelligenda: a general rule is to be genrally understood.
Generalia praecedunt, specialia sequuntur : Things general precede, things special follow.
Generalia specialibus non derogant: Things general do not derogate from things special.
Habeas Corpus: You have the body.
Ipse Dixit: He himself said it.
Injuria sine damno: Violation of a legal right without causing any harmIgnorantia juris non-excusat: ignorance of the law excuses not or Ignorance of the law excuses no one. In other words, A person who is unaware of a law may not escape liability for violating that law merely because one was unaware of its content.
Injuria sine damno: Injury without damage.
Ipso facto: By the mere fact
In Camera: In private
In promptu: In readiness.
In lieu of: Instead of
In personam: A proceeding in which relief I sought against a specific person.
Innuendo: Spoken words that are defamatory because they have a double meaning.
In status quo: In the present state.
Leges Posteriores Priores Contrarias Abrogant - Later laws repeal earlier laws inconsistent therewith.
Lex Non Cogit Ad Impossiblia - The law does not compel a person to do that which he cannot possibly perform.
Locus Standi - The right of a party to appear and be heard before a court.
Nemo debet esse judex in propria causa: No one should be a judge in his own cause
Nemo dat quod non habet: No one can give what he does not have
Noscitur a sociis: A word is known by the company it keeps
Mandamus - A writ or order that is issued from a court of superior juris diction that commands an inferior tribunal/ court to perform, or refrain from performing, a particular act, the performance of which is required by law as an obligation.
Judex est lex loquens: A judge is the law speaking
Judex non potest esse testis in propira causa: A judge cannot be witness in his own cause.
Judex non potest injuriam sibi datam punire: A judge cannon punish a wrong done to himself.
Judiciis posterioribus fides est adhibenda: Faith must be given to later decisions.
Judicis est judicare secundum allegata et probata: It is the duty of a judge to decide according to the allegations and the proofs.
Judicium non debet esse illusorium, suum effectum habere debet: A judgment ought not to be illusory; it ought to have its proper effect.
Legibus sumptis desinentibus legibus naturae utendum est: When laws imposed by the State fail, we must use the laws of nature.
Lex aliquando sequitur aequitatem: The law sometimes follows equity.
Lex citius tolerare vult privatum damnum quam publicum malum: The law would rather tolerate a private injury than a public evil.
Lex dabit remedium: The law will give a remedy.
Lex dilationes abhorret: The law abhors delays.
Major continet in se minus The greater contains the less.
Mala fide: In bad faith.
Mala grammatica non vitiat chartam: Bad grammar does not vitiate a deed.
Mala in se: Bad in themselves.
Nemo bis punitur pro eodem delicto: Nobody can be twice punished for the same offence.
Nemo plus juris transferre ad alium potest quam ipse habet: No one can transfer to another a larger right than he himself has.
Nemo poest facere per alium, quod per se non potest: No one can do through another what he cannot do himself.
Nemo prohibetur defensionibus uti: No one is forbidden to make use of several defenses.
Nemo punitur pro aliento delicto: No one is punished for the crime of an other.
Novation: Transaction in which a new contact is agreed by all parties to replace an existing contract.
Nemo debet essc judex in propria causa: No one should be the judge in his own case.
Non est factum: It is not his deed
Non est informatus: He is not informed.
Non facias malum ut inde veniat bonum: You shall not do evil that good may come of it.
Non sequitur: An inconsistent statement.
Obiter Dicta: Reason for being a part of the judgement.
Omne sacramentum debet esse de certa scientia: Every oath ought to be of certain knowledge.
Omnia delicta in aperto leviora sunt: All crimes (committed) in the open are (considered) lighter.
Omnia praesumuntur contra spoliatorem: All things are presumed against a wrongdoer.
Optima legum interpres est consuetudo: The best interpreter of laws is custom.
Pari passu: With an equal step; side by side; at the same rate or on an equal footing.
Per curiam: By the court.
Prima facie: On the face of it.
Pro rata: In proportion.
Post mortem: After death,
Pacta sund servanada: Treaties are legally binding.
Par delictum: Equal fault.
Pari passu: On an equal footing.
Partus sequitur ventrem: The offspring follows the mother.
Pater est quem nuptiae demonstrant: The father is he whom the marriage points out.
Quantum meruit: The right amount what one deserves.
Quaeitur: The question is raised.
Quantum: Amount
Qui facit per alium facit per se: He who acts through another is acting through himself.
Quid pro quo: Something for something or something in return.
Quo warranto: By what authority. A writ calling upon one to show under what authority he holds or claims a public office.
Qui non habet potestatem alienandi habet necessitatem retinendi: He who has not the power of alienating is under the necessity of retaining.
Qui non improbat, approbat: He who does not disapprove, approves.
Quia malitia supplet actatem: malice makes up for age
Quod per ma non possum nec per alium: What I cannot do through myself, I cannot do through another.
Quod vanum et inutile est lex non requirit: The law does not require what is in vain and useless.
Res: Matter, affair, thing, circumstance.
Res Judicata: A matter already judged.
Ration Decidendi: The rule of law on which a judicial decision is based.
Re: In the matter of.
Recognition is the greatest motivator: Agnitio est maioribus motivator
Reprobata pecunia leberat solventem: Money refused releases the debtor.
Res gestae: Things done.
Res integra: A matter untouched by decision.
Res nulis: Nobody s property.
Respondeat superior: Let the principal answer.
Rex non potest peccare: The King can do no wrong.
Rex nunquma moritur: The King never dies.
Rex quod injustum est facere non potest: The King cannot do what is unjust.
Salus populi est suprema lex: The safety of the people is the supreme law.
Sine die: With no appointed date for resumption.
Sciens: Knowingly.
Scienter: Knowingly.
Scire facias: That you cause to know.
Scribere est agere: To write is to act.
Se defendendo: In self-defence.
Status quo: Current state of things.
Sine qua non: Without which nothing
Suo Motu: On its own motion.
Sublato fundamento cadit opus: The foundation being removed, the structure falls.
Suggestio falsi: The suggestion of something which is false.
Terra firma: Solid grounds.
Transit terra cum onoera: The land passes with its burden.
Talis qualis: Such as it is.
Testamenta latissimam interpretationem habere debent: Testaments ought to have the broadest interpretation.
Traditio loqui chartam facit: Delivery makes a deed speak.
Ubberime fide: In utmost good faith
Ubi jus ibi remedium: Wherever there is a right, there is a remedy/For every wrong there is a remedy.
Ubi non est principalis, non potest esse accessorius: Where there is no principal, there can be no accessory.
Ubi nullum matrimonium, ibi nulla dos es: Where there is no marriage, there is no dower.
Utile per inutile non vitiatur: What is useful is not vitiated by the useless.
Verba debent intelligi cum effectu: Words should be understood with effect.
Vigilant non dormientibus jura subveniunt: The laww serve the vigilant and not the one who sleeps.
Vice versa: In reverse.
Volenti non fit injuria: Volantarily consenting to injury upon oneself negetivates the claim regarding the same.
Vox populi: Voice of the people. or the opinion of the majority of the people.
Vi et armis: With the force and arms.
Via antiqua via est tuta: The old way is the safe way.
Vide: See.
Voluntas reputatur pro facto: The will is taken for the deed.
Vox populi: Voice of the people.
Waiver – Voluntarily giving up a right or a condition.
Also read:
| CLAT Question Papers - Past years collection | CLAT exam pattern | CLAT syllabus |
| CLAT Preparation books | CLAT Mock Tests |
"The pen is mightier than the sword". Anupama totally believes in this and respects what she conveys through it. She is a vivid writer, who loves to write about education, lifestyle, and governance. She is a hardcor... Read Full Bio
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
13 Dec '24 - 20 Dec '24 | AILET Counselling 2025 fee sub... |
13 Dec '24 - 20 Dec '24 | AILET Counselling Registration... |
Aug '24 | LSAT India 2025 January Sessio... |
Dec '24 | LSAT India 2025 January System... |
15 Jan '25 - 15 Mar '25 | ULSAT 2025 Application for LLM |
15 Jan '25 - 15 Mar '25 | ULSAT 2025 Applications (3-yea... |
21 May '25 - 10 Jun '25 | RULET 2025 application process |
12 Jun '25 | RULET 2025 correction window |
11 Jan '25 - 2 Feb '25 | MH CET Law 2025 Application (f... |
18 Jan '25 - 10 Apr '25 | MH CET Law 2025 Application (f... |
Jul '23 | LFAT 2023 Declaration of Resul... |
1 Jun '23 - 7 Jun '23 | LFAT 2023 Reserved Exam Dates |
2 Jul '24 | ACLAT Exam 2024 |
1 Jul '24 | ACLAT Admit Card 2024 |
Mar '25 | PU UGLAW 2025 online registrat... |
Apr '25 | PU UGLAW 2025 last date of fee... |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 days ago
CLAT and other law entrance exams typically consist of multiple-choice questions that test a candidate's knowledge, reasoning, and analytical skills. Here's a breakdown of the types of questions usually asked:
English Language
1. *Comprehension Passages*: Candidates are given a passage to read, follo
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 5 days ago
Admission in NLUs is not possible. Seek admission in other private colleges. Few of them are given below.
- LPU Phagwara
- Chandigarh University
Scholar-Level 18
Answered 6 days ago
You can't get top 6 nlus law colleges bit you get similar the highest level college
A
Beginner-Level 1
Answered a week ago
Provided you fulfill the minimum requirements as established by the different National Law Universities (NLUs) in the respective states, you might be potentially eligible for some of these NLUs: Most NLUs select candidates through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) for admission. Below mentioned a
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
The eligibility criteria for CLAT 2025 are as follows :
For General, OBC, EWS :
The candidate should have minimum 45% score in 12th standard from any recognised board.
For SC, ST :
The candidate should have minimum 40% score in 12th standard from any recognised boards.
Candidates who will appear in
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
A good score in CLAT 2025 for an OBC candidate will be 80-90+ marks. On the other hand, SC and ST candidates can secure a seat in top NLUs with a CLAT 2025 score of 75-85 marks without domicile reservation.
S
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
No domicile certificate is required to be produced while filling up the application form for CLAT. It is mandatory only while counseling if you are opting for the domicile based reservations by producing certificates. It is normal for most NLUs to reserve 10%-50% of the number of seats for the state
K
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
Yes, Kirit P Mehta School of Law accepts admissions through CLAT apart from NMIMS-LAT. Candidates applying through CLAT need to meet the cut-off requirements as well as follow the admission process of the institution.
a
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Hello greetings!
Yes, the registration for CLAT 2025 has already started! The application process opened on July 15, 2024, and the last date to submit applications was October 15, 2024. The admit cards were released on November 15, 2024.
The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) is respons
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
The CLAT cutoff for OBC category candidates has ranged from around 90-160 marks in recent years, depending on the NLIU, the exam's difficulty, and the availability of seats. For top NLUs, the OBC cutoff is typically in the range of 120-160 marks, whereas mid-tier and lower-tier NLUs have a slightly
V
Contributor-Level 8
Which type of question are asked in CLAT and other law entrance exams?