6 Common Legal Terms Explained Simply: A Beginner’s Guide(2026)

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There are various legal terminologies which we often get confused when we are introduced to them at first instance . Let's understand these terms in a very easy way 

1. Stamp Paper / Affidavit 

Stamp paper is a paper issued by the  Government. This is used for purchasing and selling property , for business deal or to legalise a rent agreement .



Affidavit is a type of promissory statement. In this it is affirmed by the writer that whatever is penned down by me  is 100% true and accurate to my knowledge .


One talks about the power of law while the other gives the proof of your honesty .




2. Custody /Arrest

What is police custody ? 

People often think that police has taken a person into custody and fear this situation. Let's not panic and understand it .
Custody is a type of situation in which a person is called to the police station for inspection, general discussion of crime scene ; just to complete the legal formality in order to collect proof . It is not arrest .



Arrest is a type of situation in which a person is literally put in prison on the pretext of commission of any crime . In this , it is mandatory to be produced before the Magistrate within 24 hours.

 While one is temporary questioning, the other is a legal restriction of freedom due to a crime.”

3. Civil Suit/ Criminal Case 

Civil suit are type of cases dealing with property , money transactions or landlord - tenant dispute . The main aim is to provide compensation to the suffering party .

Criminal case are the types of cases in which theft , dacoity , homicide or death or severe injury is involved . They  are considered as offences in our society and in these kind of cases punishments are provided by the Magistrate. 

The first one talks about right and compensation while other talks about that you will be punished and sent to jail 

4. Compoundable / Non Compoundable Offences 

Compoundable offences are  less serious crimes where the law allows the parties involved to compromise or settle the matter outside of court. Once a mutual agreement or settlement is reached, the charges against the accused are dropped. Examples include minor cheating, defamation, or simple disputes 

Non-Compoundable offences are severe and grave crimes that cannot be settled or compromised between the parties. In these cases, the crime is considered an offence against the whole society, not just an individual. Therefore, the trial must take place, and only the court can decide the punishment. Examples include murder, kidnapping, and large-scale scams.


5. Judicial/ Non Judicial Stamp 

Judicial Stamp is used only in court proceedings,  filling court fees and documents related to the case filed in Court.

Non Judicial Stamp is used for general day to day legal task . For eg. - Registration of land , Agreement or Affidavit .

6. Agreement / Contract 

When 2 or more people agree upon the same thing in same sense , it is termed as Agreement. It can be oral or written. 
Please Note :- Every Agreement is not enforceable by law 

When agreement completes all the terms and conditions of law , it is termed as Contract . Whosoever breaches the contract , can be pulled into the court . 

Conclusion 

These legal terminologies are very easy to understand as they are not just limited to law , but open to the general masses . This type of awareness is very  important to people with non law background as these are general terms used in legal sense .

Designed by 
Komal Nagarkar 





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