Law: Nature and Sources - Interactive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

Which source of law is NOT used in the United Kingdom legal system?

Accepted Answer

Religious law

Answer

Statute law

Answer

Common law

Answer

Customary law

Question 2

What is the legal principle known as 'stare decisis'?

Accepted Answer

The principle of precedent

Answer

The principle of equity

Answer

The principle of natural justice

Answer

The principle of legality

Question 3

Which of the following is a characteristic of delegated legislation?

Accepted Answer

Made by government ministers under an Act of Parliament

Answer

Has the same force as an Act of Parliament

Answer

Can be made in any circumstances

Answer

Cannot be challenged in court

Question 4

What is the fundamental distinction between civil law and criminal law?

Accepted Answer

Civil law deals with disputes between individuals, while criminal law deals with offences against the state.

Answer

Criminal law deals with disputes between individuals, while civil law deals with offences against the state.

Answer

Civil law is more serious than criminal law.

Answer

Criminal law is more serious than civil law.

Question 5

Which of the following is a primary function of the judiciary?

Accepted Answer

To interpret laws

Answer

To make laws

Answer

To enforce laws

Answer

To advise the government on legal matters

Question 6

What was the main purpose of the Human Rights Act 1998?

Accepted Answer

To incorporate the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law

Answer

To protect the rights of corporations against individuals

Answer

To establish a new supreme court for the UK

Answer

To abolish capital punishment

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a key principle of natural justice?

Accepted Answer

Prior restraint

Answer

Impartiality

Answer

Fair hearing

Answer

Open justice

Question 8

What is the primary difference between a tort and a crime?

Accepted Answer

A tort is a civil wrong, while a crime is a criminal wrong.

Answer

A crime is a civil wrong, while a tort is a criminal wrong.

Answer

Torts are more serious than crimes.

Answer

Crimes are more serious than torts.

Question 9

Which stage is **not** part of the parliamentary approval process for laws in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Public Consultation

Answer

First Reading

Answer

Committee Stage

Answer

Third Reading and Debate

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a source of law in the UK legal system?

Accepted Answer

Religious Doctrines

Answer

Legislation

Answer

Case Law

Answer

Custom

Question 11

What is the primary function of common law?

Accepted Answer

To provide clear and stable rules for society

Answer

To establish a rigid and unchanging legal system

Answer

To solely rely on past precedents without considering societal changes

Answer

To protect individual rights and freedoms

Question 12

What is the fundamental distinction between civil law and criminal law?

Accepted Answer

Civil law addresses private disputes, whereas criminal law deals with offenses against the state.

Answer

Civil law is enforced by private individuals, while criminal law is enforced by the government.

Answer

Civil law cases are decided by juries, whereas criminal law cases are decided by judges.

Answer

Civil law is based on common law, while criminal law is based on statute law.

Question 13

Which of the following is a characteristic of a codified legal system?

Accepted Answer

Laws are systematically organized and documented in a comprehensive code.

Answer

Judges have substantial discretion in interpreting the law.

Answer

Laws are primarily derived from judicial decisions.

Answer

Laws are continuously evolving and subject to frequent changes.

Question 14

What is the primary role of the judiciary in the UK legal system?

Accepted Answer

To interpret and apply laws to specific cases

Answer

To enact and create laws

Answer

To enforce laws and impose punishments

Answer

To establish legal precedents that guide future decisions

Question 15

What is the fundamental principle of natural justice?

Accepted Answer

Everyone is entitled to a fair and impartial trial.

Answer

No one should be punished for a crime they did not commit.

Answer

Laws should be applied equally and without bias.

Answer

The burden of proof always lies with the prosecution.

Question 16

What is a key distinction between a tort and a crime?

Accepted Answer

Torts are civil wrongs while crimes are offenses against the state.

Answer

Torts can result in both civil and criminal liabilities, while crimes can only result in criminal liabilities.

Answer

Torts are always intentional actions, while crimes can be either intentional or unintentional.

Answer

Torts are more serious than crimes.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a primary source of law in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

European Union law

Answer

Statute law

Answer

Common law

Answer

Delegated legislation

Question 18

What is the doctrine of 'stare decisis'?

Accepted Answer

The principle of binding precedent

Answer

The principle of equity

Answer

The rule of law

Answer

The presumption of innocence

Question 19

What is the Lord Chancellor's primary role in the UK legal system?

Accepted Answer

To appoint judges

Answer

To make laws

Answer

To interpret statutes

Answer

To administer the courts

Question 20

What is the primary purpose of the Human Rights Act 1998?

Accepted Answer

To incorporate the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law

Answer

To protect the rights of children

Answer

To create a new system of criminal justice

Answer

To abolish the death penalty

Question 21

What is the primary role of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)?

Accepted Answer

To investigate and prosecute criminal offences

Answer

To provide legal advice to the government

Answer

To represent defendants in criminal cases

Answer

To issue search warrants

Question 22

Which of the following is **NOT** a source of law in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

International treaties

Answer

Acts of Parliament

Answer

Common law

Answer

Delegated legislation

Question 23

What is the legal principle known as 'stare decisis'?

Accepted Answer

The binding nature of precedent

Answer

The presumption of innocence

Answer

The right to a fair trial

Answer

The rule against hearsay

Question 24

Which branch of law deals with the legal relationships between private individuals?

Accepted Answer

Civil law

Answer

Criminal law

Answer

Constitutional law

Answer

Administrative law

Question 25

What is the primary role of the judiciary in the legal system?

Accepted Answer

To interpret and apply the law

Answer

To make new laws

Answer

To enforce the law

Answer

To review the constitutionality of laws

Question 26

Which court in the UK is the highest court of appeal for both civil and criminal cases?

Accepted Answer

Supreme Court

Answer

High Court

Answer

Court of Appeal

Answer

Crown Court

Question 27

What is the purpose of a legal precedent?

Accepted Answer

To provide guidance to judges in future cases

Answer

To create new laws

Answer

To overrule existing laws

Answer

To punish those who break the law

Question 28

Which of the following is a primary benefit of the common law system?

Accepted Answer

It can adjust to evolving conditions.

Answer

It is inflexible and unchanging.

Answer

It lacks clarity and predictability.

Answer

It is exceptionally quick and efficient.

Question 29

In the UK, which stage of the parliamentary approval process for laws involves detailed examination and potential changes to the proposed law?

Accepted Answer

Committee Stage

Answer

First Reading

Answer

Second Reading

Answer

Report Stage

Question 30

Which type of law is made by judges in court?

Accepted Answer

Case Law

Answer

EU Law

Answer

Legislation

Answer

Common Law

Question 31

What is the difference between common law and statute law?

Accepted Answer

Common law is made by judges and is based on previous cases, while statute law is made by Parliament and sets out new laws and rules.

Answer

Common law is only applicable in criminal cases, while statute law is only applicable in civil cases.

Answer

Common law is made by Parliament, while statute law is made by judges.

Question 32

What is the principle of precedent?

Accepted Answer

The principle that lower courts must follow the decisions of higher courts.

Answer

The principle that all laws must be written down.

Answer

The principle that the accused is innocent until proven guilty.

Question 33

What is the role of the European Union in relation to law in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Before Brexit, EU law took precedence over UK law in certain areas.

Answer

The European Union has no role in relation to law in the United Kingdom.

Answer

EU law and UK law are of equal status.

Answer

UK law takes precedence over EU law in all areas.

Question 34

Which of the following is an example of a codified law?

Accepted Answer

The Theft Act 1968

Answer

The Magna Carta

Answer

The Bill of Rights 1689

Answer

The Human Rights Act 1998

Question 35

What is the purpose of the Human Rights Act 1998?

Accepted Answer

To incorporate the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law.

Answer

To establish a new Supreme Court for the United Kingdom.

Answer

To repeal the Magna Carta.

Question 36

What is the role of a lawyer?

Accepted Answer

To represent clients in legal matters, provide legal advice, and advocate for their rights.

Answer

To make laws.

Answer

To judge cases.

Question 37

Compare the key elements of civil wrongs and criminal offences, including their definitions, burdens of proof, and consequences.

Accepted Answer

Civil Wrongs: Private wrongs; Burden of proof: Lower (balance of probabilities); Remedies: Monetary damages

Accepted Answer

Criminal Offences: Public wrongs; Burden of proof: Higher (beyond reasonable doubt); Remedies: Imprisonment, fines

Answer

Civil Wrongs: Do not require proof of intent; Burden of proof: Lower than in criminal cases; Remedies: Not always imprisonment

Answer

Criminal Offences: Public wrongs; Burden of proof: Higher than in civil cases; Remedies: Not only monetary damages

Question 38

Which of the following is a key characteristic of law that distinguishes it from other forms of social norms?

Accepted Answer

Binding

Answer

Optional

Answer

Informative

Answer

Advisory

Question 39

What is the primary role of Parliament in relation to law-making in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Enacts legislation through Acts of Parliament

Answer

Reviews legislation

Answer

Enforces legislation

Answer

Interprets legislation

Question 40

What is the legal principle which requires judges to follow decisions made in previous similar cases?

Accepted Answer

Doctrine of Precedent

Answer

Rule of Law

Answer

Separation of Powers

Answer

Habeas Corpus

Question 41

Which of the following is an example of delegated legislation?

Accepted Answer

Regulations issued by government departments

Answer

Common Law

Answer

Equity

Answer

Acts of Parliament

Question 42

What is the fundamental structure of the legal system in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Dualist system of Common Law and Statute Law

Answer

Monist system of Sharia Law and Common Law

Answer

Tripartite system of Civil Law, Common Law, and Equity

Question 43

Which of the following is a primary benefit of the doctrine of precedent in the legal system?

Accepted Answer

Promotes consistency and predictability in legal decisions

Answer

Ensures efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the legal process

Answer

Provides flexibility and adaptability to changing societal norms

Answer

Guarantees fairness and justice in all cases

Question 44

Which of the following terms refers to laws created by government departments or agencies to address specific issues?

Accepted Answer

Delegated Legislation

Answer

Secondary Legislation

Answer

Case Law

Answer

Primary Legislation

Question 45

Which of these is NOT considered a primary source of law in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Academic Legal Commentaries

Answer

Statutes

Answer

Common Law

Answer

European Union Law

Question 46

What does the principle of *stare decisis* mean?

Accepted Answer

Following previous court decisions in similar cases.

Answer

The right to a fair trial.

Answer

The power of the courts to strike down laws.

Answer

The process of creating new laws through Parliament.

Question 47

What is a law passed by the UK Parliament called?

Accepted Answer

Statute

Answer

Treaty

Answer

Convention

Answer

Case Law

Question 48

Which of these is an example of a public law issue?

Accepted Answer

A dispute between a citizen and the government over a planning permission.

Answer

A divorce case.

Answer

A claim for compensation for a personal injury.

Answer

A contract dispute between two businesses.

Question 49

The European Convention on Human Rights is an example of:

Accepted Answer

International Law

Answer

Private Law

Answer

Statutory Law

Answer

Common Law

Question 50

Which court is at the top of the UK's judicial system?

Accepted Answer

Supreme Court

Answer

High Court

Answer

Crown Court

Answer

Court of Appeal

Question 51

The legal principle that states you can't be punished for something that wasn't a crime when you did it is called:

Accepted Answer

Nullum crimen sine lege

Answer

Audi alteram partem

Answer

Ultra vires

Answer

Stare decisis

Question 52

When a judge's decision in a case creates a new legal rule, this is called:

Accepted Answer

Judicial Development of the Law

Answer

International Law

Answer

Delegated Legislation

Answer

Parliamentary Lawmaking