Legal maxims and terms are fundamental concepts and Latin phrases frequently used in the legal field. Understanding these maxims and terms is essential for anyone studying law or preparing for legal exams like the Bihar Judicial Services Exam. Here are some common legal maxims and terms:

Legal Maxims:

1. Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea: An act does not make a person guilty unless there is a guilty mind (criminal intent).
2. Bona fide: In good faith, honestly, without deceit or fraud.
3. Caveat emptor: Let the buyer beware. It means that the buyer is responsible for assessing the quality of a product or property before purchase.
4. De facto: In fact, as a matter of fact.
5. Ex parte: By or for one party; without the other party being present or informed.
6. In loco parentis: In the place of a parent; acting as a parent.
7. Ipso facto: By the fact itself.
8. Mens rea: Guilty mind; criminal intent.
9. Nolo contendere: No contest; a plea where the defendant neither admits nor denies the charges.
10. Prima facie: On its face; at first sight; based on the first impression.
11. Res ipsa loquitur: The thing speaks for itself; a legal doctrine that allows for the inference of negligence from the circumstances of an accident or injury.
12. Stare decisis: To stand by things decided; the principle of following established legal precedents.
13. Ultra vires: Beyond one’s legal power or authority.

Legal Terms:

1. Adjudication: The legal process of resolving a dispute or determining the rights and obligations of parties.
2. Affidavit: A written statement made under oath or affirmation, often used as evidence in court.
3. Allegation: A statement or assertion made by a party in a case, which may or may not be supported by evidence.
4. Amicus curiae: A friend of the court; a person or organization that provides information or arguments to the court in a case in which they are not directly involved.
5. Docket: A court’s official record of cases to be heard, including a list of scheduled hearings and events.
6. Habeas corpus: A legal writ that requires a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court, especially to secure their release unless lawful grounds are shown for their detention.
7. Jurisprudence: The philosophy or science of law; the study of the principles and theories of law.
8. Lien: A legal claim or hold on property as security for the payment of a debt or the satisfaction of an obligation.
9. Subpoena: A legal order requiring a person to appear in court as a witness or produce documents or evidence.
10. Tort: A civil wrong or wrongful act, whether intentional or negligent, that causes harm or injury to another party, giving rise to a legal claim for damages.

These are just a few examples of legal maxims and terms. The legal field is vast, and there are many more specialized terms and concepts that may be relevant depending on the specific area of law you are studying or practicing.