A legal maxim is a firmly established legal concept, proposal, or doctrine, typically articulated in Latin. Many of these Latin maxims have their roots in the Medieval era of European states that utilized Latin as their official language.
These principles play a crucial role in assisting courts worldwide in the equitable and just application of existing laws, facilitating the resolution of disputes before them. While these principles lack inherent legal authority, their utilization by courts in legal decisions or adoption by legislatures in enacting laws transforms them into legal norms, forming the basis for sound judgments.
Why is it Important to Learn Legal Maxims for CLAT?
Legal Maxims are a significant topic in the Legal Aptitude section. Under legal aptitude in CLAT, two types of questions are commonly asked: Legal Reasoning and Legal Knowledge. Legal maxims questions fall under the category of Legal Knowledge in the CLAT exam, where candidates can expect 3-4 questions on this topic.
List of Key Legal Maxims for CLAT 2025
Here is a compilation of the top 50 essential legal maxims and phrases for the CLAT examination in 2025.
Ab Initio – From the beginning.
Actionable per se – The very act is punishable, and no proof of damage is required.
Actio personalis moritur cum persona – A personal right of action dies with the person.
Actori incumbit onus probandi – The burden of proof is on the plaintiff.
Actus Reus Non Facit Reum Nisi Mens Sit Rea – Conviction of a crime requires proof of a criminal act and intent.
Ad hoc – For the particular end or case at hand.
Alibi – At another place, elsewhere.
Amicus Curiae – A friend of the court or a member of the Bar appointed to assist the Court.
Ante Litem Motam – Before a suit is brought; before controversy is instituted.
Assentio mentium – The meeting of minds, mutual assents.
Audi alteram partem – No person shall be condemned unheard.
Bona fide – In good faith.
Bona vacantia – Goods without an owner.
Boni judicis est ampliare jurisdictionem – It is the part of a good judge to enlarge his jurisdiction.
Caveat – A caution registered with the public court.
Caveat actor – Let the doer beware.
Caveat emptor – Let the buyer beware.
Caveat venditor – Let the seller beware.
Certiorari – A writ by which orders passed by an inferior court are quashed.
Corpus – Body.
Corpus delicti – The facts and circumstances constituting a crime and concrete evidence of a crime, such as a corpse.
Damnum sine injuria – Damage without injury.
De facto – In fact.
De jure – By law.
De minimis – About minimal things.
De Minimis Non Curat Lex – The law does not govern trifles or ignore insignificant details.
De novo – To make something anew.
Dictum – A statement of law made by a judge but not necessary to the decision itself.
Doli incapax – Incapable of crime.
Detinue – Tort of wrongfully holding goods that belong to someone else.
Donatio mortis causa – Gift because of death.
Estoppel – Prevented from denying.
Ex gratia – As a favor.
Ex officio – Because of an office held.
Ex parte – Proceedings in the absence of the other party.
Ex post facto – After the fact.
Fatum – Beyond human foresight.
Factum probans – Relevant fact.
Fraus est celare fraudem – It is a fraud to conceal a fraud.
Functus officio – No longer having power or jurisdiction.
Furiosi nulla voluntas est – Mentally impaired persons cannot validly sign a will, contract, or form the frame of mind necessary to commit a crime.
Habeas corpus – A writ to have the body of a person brought before the judge.
Ignorantia juris non-excusat – Ignorance of the law excuses no one.
Injuria sine damno – Injury without damage.
Ipso facto – By the mere fact.
In promptu – In readiness.
In lieu of – Instead of.
In personam – A proceeding seeking relief against a specific person.
Innuendo – Spoken words that are defamatory due to a double meaning.
In the CLAT (Common Law Admission Test), reading comprehension plays a pivotal role, especially in sections like English Language, Logical Reasoning, and Legal Reasoning. One of the most essential skills you need to master for this exam is identifying the main idea of a passage. The main idea forms the core of the passage, encapsulating the author’s purpose and message. Understanding it not only helps in answering direct questions but also aids in grasping the passage’s overall context.
In this post, we will break down the process of finding the main idea of a passage in CLAT, covering each aspect in detail.
Why is Finding the Main Idea Important?
Before diving into the strategies, it’s essential to understand why identifying the main idea is crucial in CLAT:
Answering multiple questions: Many comprehension-based questions revolve around the passage’s main idea, so understanding it ensures a higher accuracy rate.
Understanding tone and intent: Grasping the main idea helps you decode the author’s tone, whether it’s persuasive, informative, or argumentative.
Efficient time management: Once you comprehend the passage’s main idea, answering related questions becomes quicker, allowing you to focus on more time-consuming questions.
What is the Main Idea?
The main idea is the central message or point that the author wants to convey through the passage. It usually:
Summarizes the entire passage in one or two sentences.
Reflects the purpose or key argument the author is making.
Is supported by all parts of the passage.
How to Find the Main Idea: A Step-by-Step Approach
1. Read the Passage Holistically First
When you start reading a passage, your primary goal should be to grasp the overall content before diving into details. Follow these steps:
Skim the passage: On the first read, focus on getting a feel for the passage. Don’t get bogged down by difficult words or complex phrases.
Look for recurring themes: Authors usually repeat or reference the main idea multiple times in different forms. Watch out for sentences or phrases that seem to sum up the paragraph or make overarching points.
Pro Tip: Try to mentally paraphrase what the author is saying after reading each paragraph. This helps you stay focused on the key points.
2. Identify the Topic of the Passage
To find the main idea, you first need to recognize the topic of the passage. The topic is the subject matter being discussed, and it usually appears early in the text:
Look for keywords: The first few lines often contain hints about the passage’s topic. The topic might be mentioned explicitly, or it may be implied.
Ask yourself: What is this passage mostly about? Is it discussing a social issue, a legal principle, a historical event, or a theoretical concept?
For example, if the passage is about climate change policies, then the topic is “climate change and policies.”
3. Focus on the First and Last Paragraphs
The main idea of a passage is frequently introduced at the beginning and reinforced at the end. While not a rule, many authors follow this structure:
Introduction: The first paragraph usually sets the stage for the main idea by introducing the topic or argument.
Conclusion: The last paragraph typically sums up the discussion, often rephrasing the main idea for emphasis.
Pay close attention to these sections, as they are more likely to contain the passage’s central argument or theme.
4. Look for Thesis Statements
The thesis statement is a sentence that clearly expresses the passage’s main idea. It often appears near the beginning or end of the introduction. This statement provides a summary of the author’s viewpoint or argument.
Ask yourself:
Does this sentence sum up the entire passage?
Is this statement supported by the rest of the text?
For example, if the passage discusses the role of technology in education, a thesis statement might be: “The increasing integration of technology in classrooms is transforming the way students learn.”
5. Identify Supporting Points
Once you have a rough idea of the passage’s topic and thesis, look at the supporting points:
Does each paragraph relate back to the thesis? Supporting points are usually examples, explanations, or evidence that back up the main idea.
Is there a logical progression? Ensure that the points follow a consistent line of reasoning, as they help build the argument.
The main idea should be broad enough to encompass all the supporting points but not so general that it becomes vague.
6. Use the Process of Elimination
If you’re struggling to pinpoint the main idea, try using the process of elimination:
Exclude overly specific ideas: Details and specific facts usually support the main idea but don’t represent it.
Eliminate unrelated ideas: Some passages may include examples or points that aren’t directly connected to the main argument. Don’t get distracted by these.
For example, if a passage discusses various education systems around the world but focuses primarily on Finland’s success, the main idea is not just about education systems in general but more specifically about Finland’s education model.
7. Check for Repeated Ideas or Themes
Authors often repeat the main idea in different words throughout the passage. By paying attention to recurring words, phrases, or ideas, you can pinpoint the central theme:
Key phrases like “in essence,” “ultimately,” or “in conclusion” often introduce a rephrased version of the main idea.
Synonyms and similar ideas repeated in different sections of the passage are strong indicators of the main idea.
For instance, in a passage discussing climate policies, words like “sustainability,” “environmental responsibility,” or “green energy” could repeatedly pop up, indicating the central theme.
8. Distinguish Between the Main Idea and the Author’s Opinion
Sometimes, especially in argumentative or persuasive passages, it can be tricky to distinguish between the author’s opinion and the main idea. While the author’s opinion might be part of the main idea, it doesn’t always encompass it entirely.
Look for a neutral, overarching message: The main idea is usually broader and represents the whole passage, while the author’s opinion could be a more specific viewpoint or argument within that framework.
For example, if the author argues that technology in education is beneficial, the main idea would be about the role of technology in education, while the author’s opinion would focus on its benefits.
Common Mistakes Students Make While Identifying the Main Idea
1. Focusing Too Much on Specific Details
While it’s essential to understand the specifics, the main idea is never found in small details. Students often get stuck on one part of the passage and mistakenly identify a particular fact as the main idea. Always think broadly.
2. Mistaking the Topic for the Main Idea
Remember, the topic is what the passage is about, but the main idea goes deeper. It answers the “so what?” question and explains what the author wants to say about the topic.
For example:
Topic: The rise of online education.
Main Idea: Online education is revolutionizing the traditional education model by providing flexible and accessible learning opportunities for students worldwide.
3. Ignoring Transitional Phrases
Transitional phrases like “however,” “moreover,” and “on the other hand” often signal a shift in the passage, guiding you toward the main idea. Students who overlook these can miss out on understanding how the passage is structured around the main idea.
Practice Exercises to Identify the Main Idea
Read Editorials: Editorials in newspapers or magazines are usually focused on a single argument or perspective, making them excellent practice material for identifying main ideas.
Summarize Passages: After reading any article or passage, try summarizing it in one or two sentences. This will help you develop the habit of quickly identifying the main idea.
CLAT Mock Tests: Use past CLAT comprehension passages for practice. After reading each passage, take a few seconds to write down the main idea before answering the questions.
Conclusion
Mastering the skill of identifying the main idea is crucial for success in CLAT. It not only improves your accuracy in comprehension-based questions but also helps you navigate the exam more efficiently. By reading the passage holistically, focusing on the thesis statement, paying attention to recurring themes, and avoiding common mistakes, you can quickly and accurately determine the main idea. With regular practice, you’ll find yourself not only improving in comprehension but also in overall test performance.
