Nature and Sources of Law: Business Law and Ethics

Question 1

In the UK legal system, which of the following is NOT a legally binding source of law?

Accepted Answer

Academic writings

Answer

Legislation

Answer

Case law

Answer

Custom

Question 2

Identify the primary sources of law in the United Kingdom and explain how each source contributes to the formation of the legal system.

Accepted Answer

Legislation, Case Law, Custom

Answer

Legislation, Executive Orders, Common Law

Answer

Case Law, Custom, Treaties

Answer

Legislation, Case Law, Doctrine

Question 3

What is the primary distinction between positive law and natural law?

Accepted Answer

Natural law is based on morality, while positive law is created by humans.

Answer

Positive law is unchangeable, while natural law is adaptable.

Answer

Positive law applies everywhere, while natural law differs by region.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Religious texts

Answer

Custom

Answer

Legislation

Answer

Case law

Question 5

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of law?

Accepted Answer

Enforceable by the state

Answer

Created by individuals

Answer

Morally binding

Answer

Optional to follow

Question 6

Who is primarily responsible for making laws in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Parliament

Answer

The Prime Minister

Answer

Local authorities

Answer

The judiciary

Question 7

Which type of law is established by judges' decisions in specific cases?

Accepted Answer

Case law

Answer

Customary law

Answer

Legislation

Question 8

Which of the following is an **example** of a statute law?

Accepted Answer

The Road Traffic Act 1988

Answer

The decision in the case of Smith v Jones

Answer

The custom of paying for goods in exchange for services

Answer

The Magna Carta

Question 9

What is the primary **distinction** between civil and criminal law?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Civil law is less serious than criminal law.

Question 10

What is the **main** role of the judiciary in the UK legal system?

Accepted Answer

To interpret and apply the law

Answer

To advise the government on legal matters

Answer

To enforce the law

Answer

To make laws

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of law?

Accepted Answer

It is always fair and just

Answer

It is enforced by the state

Answer

It is created by a recognized authority

Answer

It is binding on all citizens

Question 12

The primary source of law in the UK is:

Accepted Answer

Legislation (statutory law)

Answer

Equity

Answer

Case law

Answer

Custom

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

The Road Traffic Act 1988

Answer

The principle of equity

Answer

The custom of paying for goods and services

Answer

The case of Donoghue v Stevenson

Question 14

A law created by judges through their decisions is also known as:

Accepted Answer

Case law (judge-made law)

Answer

Equity

Answer

Common law

Question 15

Which of the following is a characteristic of custom as a source of law?

Accepted Answer

It is based on long-established practices and is considered binding

Answer

It is created by Parliament

Answer

It is only applicable in certain regions

Answer

It is always written down

Question 16

The UK legal system is primarily founded on:

Accepted Answer

Common law

Answer

Customary law

Answer

Sharia law

Answer

Civil law

Question 17

Which of the following is a key principle of the UK common law system?

Accepted Answer

Judges' decisions (precedents) are binding on lower courts

Answer

Customary law prevails over statute law

Answer

Judges have absolute power to make new laws

Answer

Laws are created only by Parliament

Question 18

What is the main role of equity in the UK legal system?

Accepted Answer

To complement and correct the rigidity of common law by considering fairness and justice in specific cases

Answer

To punish those who break common law

Answer

To create new laws independent of common law

Answer

To replace common law entirely

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of an international source of law?

Accepted Answer

The European Convention on Human Rights

Answer

The Bill of Rights

Answer

The Common Law

Answer

The Magna Carta

Question 20

The main purpose of a legal system is to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain societal order, regulate behavior, and protect the rights of individuals

Answer

Generate income for the government

Answer

Resolve disputes between individuals

Answer

Punish criminals

Question 21

Which characteristic is essential for a rule to be considered a law?

Accepted Answer

It is generally accepted and obeyed by the population.

Answer

It is always formally documented in writing.

Answer

It is always created by elected officials through a vote.

Answer

It is always considered fair and equitable by everyone.

Question 22

What is the primary source of UK law that is developed by judges through court decisions?

Accepted Answer

Case law

Answer

Equity

Answer

Statute law

Answer

International law

Question 23

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

Accepted Answer

Religious doctrines

Answer

Acts of Parliament

Answer

Judicial precedents

Answer

Established customs

Question 24

The principle of 'stare decisis' in the UK legal system means that:

Accepted Answer

Lower courts must follow decisions made by higher courts in similar cases.

Answer

Courts should always overturn previous decisions that are considered outdated.

Answer

Courts can only make decisions based on cases that have already been decided.

Answer

Judges are bound to strictly apply legislation without any interpretation.

Question 25

Which court serves as the highest court for civil cases within the UK's legal system?

Accepted Answer

Supreme Court of the United Kingdom

Answer

Court of Appeal

Answer

High Court

Answer

Crown Court

Question 26

What is the definition of a written constitution?

Accepted Answer

A single, formal document outlining the fundamental principles and structure of a country's government.

Answer

A set of guidelines for the judiciary, explaining how to interpret and apply laws.

Answer

A document solely focused on the powers and responsibilities of the government's executive branch.

Answer

An unwritten collection of laws, customs, and conventions that govern a country.

Question 27

Which of the following is a key advantage of having a written constitution?

Accepted Answer

It provides clear and certain definitions of the powers and limitations of the government.

Answer

It allows for quick and easy changes to laws and government structure.

Answer

It relies heavily on judicial interpretation and evolving precedents.

Answer

It is more challenging to amend compared to an unwritten constitution.

Question 28

Through which legal mechanism was the Human Rights Act 1998 integrated into UK law?

Accepted Answer

Legislation enacted by Parliament

Answer

Direct application of European Union Law

Answer

Gradual evolution of long-standing customs and practices

Answer

Development through judicial precedents in case law

Question 29

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of administrative law in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring fairness and impartiality in decisions affecting individuals' rights.

Answer

Preventing individuals from being tried twice for the same offense.

Answer

Dividing governmental powers among separate branches (legislative, executive, judicial).

Answer

Safeguarding individual liberty against unlawful detention by the state.

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of law? It is:

Accepted Answer

Always based on religious principles.

Answer

Aimed at maintaining order, justice and fairness in a society.

Answer

A set of rules generally enforced by the state.

Answer

Based on customs, precedents and legislation.

Question 31

What is the primary source of law in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Legislation (Acts of Parliament).

Answer

Customary law (unwritten rules and practices).

Answer

Case law (judgements of higher courts).

Answer

International law (treaties and conventions).

Question 32

A precedent set by a higher court is binding on lower courts. This principle is known as:

Accepted Answer

Stare decisis.

Answer

Habeas corpus.

Answer

Ultra vires.

Answer

Res judicata.

Question 33

Which of the following is an example of delegated legislation?

Accepted Answer

Regulations made by a government minister under powers granted by an Act of Parliament.

Answer

A contract between two individuals.

Answer

A law passed by Parliament.

Answer

A decision made by a judge in a court case.

Question 34

A company is found to have violated a law passed by Parliament. What type of law has been broken?

Accepted Answer

Statutory law.

Answer

Common law.

Answer

Customary law.

Answer

International law.

Question 35

The principle of 'judicial precedent' suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Judges are bound by previous decisions in similar cases, unless overturned by a higher court.

Answer

Judges are free to interpret the law as they see fit.

Answer

Parliament can overturn any decision made by a judge.

Question 36

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

Accepted Answer

Religious doctrine.

Answer

Case law.

Answer

Customary law.

Answer

Legislation.

Question 37

The process of interpreting the meaning of a statute is known as:

Accepted Answer

Statutory interpretation.

Answer

Judicial review.

Answer

Delegated legislation.

Answer

Precedent.

Question 38

A company is accused of breaching a contract. Which source of law would be relevant in this case?

Accepted Answer

Case law and legislation.

Answer

Customary law only.

Answer

Religious doctrine only.

Answer

International law only.

Question 39

The UK legal system is based on:

Accepted Answer

Common law, meaning that it is based on precedents set by previous court decisions.

Answer

Civil law, where law is codified in a comprehensive system of statutes.

Answer

Mixed legal system, which combines elements of both common law and civil law.

Answer

Religious law.

Question 40

Which of the following is a characteristic of law?

Accepted Answer

Flexible

Answer

Immutable

Answer

General

Answer

Coercive

Question 41

In the UK legal system, which of the following is considered a primary source of law?

Accepted Answer

Legislation

Answer

Custom

Answer

Case Law

Answer

Precedent

Question 42

Which of the following is a role of judges?

Accepted Answer

Interpret and apply the law

Answer

Determine guilt or innocence

Answer

Make new laws

Answer

Represent clients in court

Question 43

Which of the following is the highest court in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Supreme Court

Answer

High Court

Answer

Magistrates' Court

Answer

Court of Appeal

Question 44

Identify the source of law that is created by judges in specific cases and becomes binding for similar cases in the future.

Accepted Answer

Case Law

Answer

Custom

Answer

Equity

Answer

Legislation

Question 45

Which of the following is a feature of civil law systems?

Accepted Answer

Derived from a comprehensive code of laws

Answer

Derived from religious texts

Answer

Based on judicial decisions

Answer

Imposed by a central authority

Question 46

What is the difference between lex scripta and lex non scripta?

Accepted Answer

Lex scripta is written law, while lex non scripta is unwritten law.

Answer

Lex scripta is civil law, while lex non scripta is criminal law.

Answer

Lex scripta is common law, while lex non scripta is statute law.

Question 47

Which of the following is an example of a civil statute?

Accepted Answer

Breach of contract

Answer

Murder

Answer

Theft

Question 48

What is the purpose of a statute of limitation?

Accepted Answer

To set a time limit for bringing legal actions

Answer

To provide guidance to judges in making decisions

Answer

To create new legal rights

Answer

To define the elements of a crime

Question 49

Which of the following is an advantage of a codified legal system?

Accepted Answer

Certainty and clarity

Answer

Diversity and cultural relevance

Answer

Low cost and accessibility

Answer

Flexibility and adaptability

Question 50

Which of the following is a key characteristic that distinguishes law from other rules?

Accepted Answer

Enforceable by the state through sanctions

Answer

Voluntary compliance based on social norms

Answer

Unchanging and absolute in its application

Answer

Derived solely from religious or moral principles

Question 51

What is the primary source of law in the United Kingdom, meaning it holds the highest authority?

Accepted Answer

Legislation (Acts of Parliament)

Answer

Customary law based on long-standing practices

Answer

Case law established by judicial decisions

Answer

International treaties ratified by the UK

Question 52

What is the principle of 'stare decisis' that guides judicial decision-making in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Lower courts are bound to follow precedents set by higher courts in similar cases.

Answer

Judges have complete freedom to create new laws with each case.

Answer

Decisions of lower courts can overturn those of higher courts in all situations.

Question 53

Which of the following is a primary source of international law, meaning it directly creates legal obligations between nations?

Accepted Answer

Treaties and conventions signed and ratified by countries

Answer

Judgments of national courts in specific international disputes

Answer

Common law principles developed in national legal systems

Answer

Statutory instruments created by government departments

Question 54

What term describes law that is not formally written down in a codified document but is based on long-standing practices?

Accepted Answer

Customary law

Answer

Statutory law (which is always written down)

Answer

Equity (which is a set of legal principles developed alongside common law)

Answer

Common law (which is a broader system, not just unwritten law)

Question 55

Which court is the highest court in the UK for most civil cases, responsible for final appeals?

Accepted Answer

Supreme Court

Answer

Court of Appeal (handles appeals from lower courts but not the final level)

Answer

Crown Court (focuses on criminal cases, not civil appeals)

Answer

High Court (deals with a wide range of civil cases, not final appeals)

Question 56

What is the primary purpose of a statute, also known as an Act of Parliament?

Accepted Answer

To create new laws or change existing ones by enacting formal written legislation

Answer

To interpret the law by analyzing its meaning and application (this is the role of the judiciary)

Answer

To establish legal precedents for future cases (this is the role of case law)

Answer

To enforce the law by taking action against those who break it (this is the role of the police and courts)

Question 57

Which of the following is a major benefit of having a codified legal system, where laws are written down in a systematic way?

Accepted Answer

Increased clarity and accessibility of the law for citizens and legal professionals

Answer

Higher respect for the rule of law (while codification can contribute to this, it's not the sole factor)

Answer

Greater flexibility and adaptability of the law to changing circumstances (codification can sometimes limit flexibility)

Answer

Lower costs associated with legal disputes (codification can make legal processes more complex, potentially increasing costs)

Question 58

What is the primary role of the judiciary (the courts) in the legal system?

Accepted Answer

To interpret and apply the law to specific cases, ensuring consistency with existing legal principles

Answer

To provide legal advice to individuals and businesses (this is the role of lawyers and solicitors)

Answer

To make new laws by introducing legislation (this is the role of Parliament)

Answer

To enforce the law by arresting individuals or imposing sanctions (this is the role of the police and other law enforcement agencies)