Mnemonics: Legal Maxims | Legal Reasoning for CLAT PDF Download

This document will help you understand the key legal maxims in a simple and engaging way. In this document , you'll find easy memory tricks (mnemonics) to help you recall important Latin phrases, their meanings, and applications in law.

Whether you're preparing for CLAT UG, AILET, or any other law entrance exam, these mnemonics will make studying legal maxims easier and more effective. Use them alongside your regular studies to grasp concepts quickly and retain information for a longer time!

Maxims about initiating or acting in law

1. Ab Initio: Applies from the start.

   • Ex: Void contract from day one.

   • Trick: “Absolute Beginning” – “START” sign at a race.

2. Actionable per se: Punishable without proving harm.

   • Ex: Slander is wrong instantly.

   • Trick: “Act Punished Simply” – Judge slams gavel.

3. Actori incumbit onus probandi: Plaintiff proves the case.

   • Ex: Sue for breach, show evidence.

   • Trick: “Actor Proves It” – Plaintiff juggles evidence.

4. Caveat Emptor: Buyer must check purchases.

   • Ex: Faulty car? Buyer’s fault.

   • Trick: “Careful, Empty Pockets” – Buyer with empty pockets.

Maxims related to agreements

5. Assentio mentium: Both parties agree on terms.

   • Ex: Agreeing on a book’s price.

   • Trick: “Agree Minds Meet” – Handshake syncs minds.

6. Bona fide: Act in good faith.

   • Ex: Seller discloses defects.

   • Trick: “Be Honest” – Seller with a halo.

7. Caveat: Court notice to act cautiously.

   • Ex: Stop a will’s execution.

   • Trick: “Caution Alert” – Red alert sign in court.

8. In status quo: Keep things as they are.

   • Ex: Freeze during a dispute.

   • Trick: “Stay Quiet, Original” – Judge freezes scene.

Maxims about legal responsibility

9. Actus Reus Non Facit Reum Nisi Mens Sit Rea: Crime needs act and intent.

   • Ex: Stealing needs act and plan.

   • Trick: “Act + Mind = Crime” – Thief grabs with a grin.

10. Corpus delicti: Evidence of a crime.

    • Ex: Broken window proves burglary.

    • Trick: “Crime’s Body” – Detective points at evidence.

11. Ignorantia juris non-excusat: Ignorance is no excuse.

    • Ex: Speeding despite not knowing limit.

    • Trick: “Ignorance No Escape” – Cop hands ticket.

12. Fraus est celare fraudem: Hiding fraud is fraud.

    • Ex: Concealing car defects.

    • Trick: “Fraud Hides Fraud” – Seller hides rusty engine.

Maxims for legal defenses or protections

13. Alibi: Proof of being elsewhere.

    • Ex: At a party during a theft.

    • Trick: “Away, Lied Back” – Waving from a party.

14. Audi alteram partem: Hear both sides.

    • Ex: Court listens before deciding.

    • Trick: “Audience for All” – Judge as talk show host.

15. Doli incapax: Kids can’t commit crimes.

    • Ex: 6-year-old taking candy.

    • Trick: “Doll Can’t Plot” – Innocent doll with candy.

16. Estoppel: Can’t deny prior promises.

    • Ex: Can’t deny car sale promise.

    • Trick: “Stop Flip-flopping” – Judge tapes mouth.

Maxims about intent or purpose

17. Bona vacantia: Unclaimed property to the state.

    • Ex: Abandoned land claimed.

    • Trick: “Bonus Vacant” – Empty lot with “State” sign.

18. Ex gratia: Voluntary favor, not required.

    • Ex: Paying injured worker kindly.

    • Trick: “Extra Grace” – Boss gives a gift.

19. Ipso facto: Happens by the fact itself.

    • Ex: Quitting ends contract.

    • Trick: “It’s Fact, Over” – Contract vanishes.

20. Mens Rea: Guilty mind for crime.

    • Ex: Intent to steal.

    • Trick: “Mind’s Rotten Aim” – Thief’s sneaky grin.