World & Knowledge

Law & Legal Basics

How rules work, so they don't surprise you

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Note. Educational, not legal advice. Laws vary by country and change. For real legal stakes, property, family, employment, contracts, anything criminal, consult a qualified lawyer in your jurisdiction. In India, start with official portals (India Code, SCO India) and a registered advocate for matters of consequence.

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Contracts and Civil

Most adult disputes are contracts in disguise: rent, jobs, services, sales. Read the boring fine print before signing, not after a fight.

Spot the termination, penalty, and jurisdiction clauses in any contract.
Refuse to sign a contract you have not read end to end.
Send a formal notice before going to court for a civil dispute.

Concepts (1)

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016
A unified Indian law for time-bound resolution or liquidation of insolvent companies, partnerships, and individuals.
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All Law & Legal Basics glossary

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Civil law
Disputes between parties, usually about rights and money.
Criminal law
State vs individuals for offences against society.
Contract
Legally enforceable agreement (offer + acceptance + consideration).
Tort
Civil wrong causing harm (negligence, defamation, etc.).
Burden of proof
Who has to prove the claim.
Standard of proof
How convincingly they must prove it.
IRAC
Issue, Rule, Analysis, Conclusion, legal reasoning template.
Writ
Court order, in India, fundamental rights enforceable under Article 32 / 226.
Habeas corpus
Writ requiring a detained person be produced in court to test legality of detention.
Stare decisis
Principle that courts follow precedent from prior similar rulings for consistency.
Mens rea
Guilty mind, the mental intent element required for most criminal offences.