Legal language can feel confusing, especially when you’re dealing with a dispute, signing an agreement, or receiving a legal notice. This glossary breaks down common legal terms into simple, everyday language so non-lawyers can understand what they mean and how they are used.

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1. Contract

• A contract is a legal agreement between two or more people.
• It becomes valid when everyone agrees to the terms and signs it.
• Example: Job contracts, rental agreements, partnership agreements.

2. Litigation

• Litigation means going to court to resolve a dispute.
• If negotiation or settlement fails, the matter is taken to court, where a judge makes the final decision.

3. Cognizable Offence

• A cognizable offence is a crime where the police can arrest without a warrant and start an investigation without court permission.
• This usually includes serious crimes like theft, assault, or fraud.

4. Non-Cognizable Offence

• For non-cognizable offences, police cannot arrest without a warrant.
• These are minor offences like public nuisance or simple harm.

5. Plaintiff / Complainant

• This is the person who files a case in court.
• They claim that someone has wronged them and ask for legal action.

6. Defendant / Respondent

• This is the person against whom the case is filed.
• In civil cases, they are called “defendant”; in family or special matters, they may be called “respondent.”

7. FIR (First Information Report)

• An FIR is the first written report recorded by police when a cognizable offence occurs.
• It starts the criminal investigation process.

8. Summons

• A summons is an official court notice asking someone to appear in court or submit a document.
• Ignoring it can lead to penalties.

9. Affidavit

• An affidavit is a written statement made under oath.
• It is used as evidence in legal matters and must be truthful.

10. Alimony

• Alimony is financial support paid by one spouse to the other after separation or divorce.
• It may be one-time or monthly.

11. Bail

• Bail is the temporary release of an arrested person while the case continues.
• The person must follow conditions and appear in court when required.

12. Will

• A will is a legal document that states how a person’s property should be distributed after their death.
• It prevents family disputes and ensures clarity.

13. Jurisdiction

• Jurisdiction means the legal authority of a court to hear a case.
• A case must be filed in a court that has the right to handle that type of issue and location.

14. Mediation

• Mediation is a peaceful dispute-resolution method where a neutral third person helps both sides reach an agreement without going to court.

15. Settlement

• A settlement is an agreement between parties to resolve a dispute without continuing litigation.
• It saves time, money, and stress.

16. Statute of Limitations

• This refers to the time limit within which a case must be filed.
• If you delay too long, the court may refuse to hear the case.

17. Power of Attorney (POA)

• A POA is a legal document that allows one person to act on behalf of another—for banking, signing papers, or managing property.