World & Knowledge
How rules work, so they don't surprise you
Novice
Subdomain
How to actually use the legal system: FIRs, RTIs, consumer forums, small claims. Knowing the right door beats knowing the most law.
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
A set of out-of-court mechanisms, mainly arbitration, mediation, and conciliation, used to resolve civil and commercial disputes without going through a full trial.
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Anticipatory bail under BNSS
A pre-arrest direction by a Court of Session or High Court that an accused be released on bail if arrested for a non-bailable offence.
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Lok Adalats and pre-litigation settlement
Statutory people's courts under the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987 that settle pending or pre-litigation disputes through compromise with binding effect.
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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.