Common Law vs. Civil Law Exam Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the nature of the Minister's discretion regarding Acts of Parliament?

  • The Minister is the final interpreter of the Act.
  • The Minister can override any Act of Parliament.
  • The Minister must adhere strictly to the parameters of the Act. (correct)
  • The Minister's discretion is limited only by public opinion.
  • Which of the following is NOT a main ground for Judicial Review?

  • Irrationality
  • Ineffectiveness (correct)
  • Illegality
  • Procedural unfairness
  • In the Article 50 case (Miller I), which court first heard the case?

  • UK Supreme Court
  • Court of Appeal
  • District Court
  • High Court (correct)
  • What outcome can result from a successful Judicial Review?

    <p>The government decision can be declared unlawful.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the principle of proportionality refer to in the context of judicial review?

    <p>The means used to achieve a policy should be appropriate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of the judicial system does 'Royal Prerogative' relate to?

    <p>International affairs subject to Parliament's approval.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is judicial activism primarily concerned with?

    <p>Judicial interpretation that actively shapes policy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'Irrationality' signify in judicial review?

    <p>A decision that is not based on rational logic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the principle of overriding objective in the court system?

    <p>To enable courts to deal with cases justly and at a proportionate cost</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of a judicial decision is referred to as 'ratio decidendi'?

    <p>The reasons why the judge reached their decision</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which courts are capable of creating binding precedents according to the hierarchy of courts?

    <p>High Court and Supreme Court</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of precedent, which situation allows the Court of Appeal to deviate from its own previous decisions?

    <p>If their ruling is contradicted by the Supreme Court</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key limitation of obiter dicta in legal rulings?

    <p>It is not considered binding or authoritative</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the doctrine of stare decisis within the legal system?

    <p>It ensures consistency and predictability in the law</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the function of accurate law reports?

    <p>They ensure an official record of court judgments for precedents</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of reports existed during the period of 1272-1535 in the context of law reporting?

    <p>Year Books</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference in the burden of proof between criminal law and civil law?

    <p>The state has the burden of proof in criminal law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which document, signed in 1215, significantly influenced constitutional law?

    <p>Magna Carta</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the separation of powers aim to achieve within a government?

    <p>Balance between the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does common law primarily differ from civil law systems?

    <p>Common law is predominantly case law made by judges.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which act does NOT protect civil liberties for Scottish citizens?

    <p>Habeas Corpus Act 1679</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an essential characteristic of the adversarial legal system?

    <p>It promotes a contest between opposing parties to establish facts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which act clarified the line of succession to the throne?

    <p>The Act of Settlement 1701</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of law-making, who primarily contributes to the common law system?

    <p>Practicing judges.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Key Vocabulary and Terminology

    • Common Law: A legal system based on precedent, not codified. It's used in countries like the UK, USA, and others.
    • Civil Law: A legal system based on codified laws and principles. It's used in countries like those in the European continent.
    • Binding Precedent: Decisions in previous cases must be considered when making decisions in similar cases.
    • Prerogative Powers: Powers traditionally held by the monarch, now mostly exercised by the government.
    • Statutes/Legislation: Laws made by parliament.
    • Common law: Describes the current application and evolution of law through court cases, more specifically through judge-made precedents.

    Introduction

    • Midterm (Oct 7th) and final (Nov 25th) exams are scheduled.
    • Various countries, including the UK, US, Caribbean, Kenya, and Mozambique, operate under a common law system.

    Common Law vs. Civil Law

    • Who makes the law? In common law, legal precedent through court cases typically are developed by judges, while in continental systems it is often based on academics/scholars and universities.
    • Primary purpose: For common law systems, the objective is more focused on particular problem-solving that's brought forth in presented cases. In codified systems, the objective is to build/establish laws through systems rather than reactive cases presented to the courts.
    • Characteristics: Common law systems are flexible and evolving, whereas civil law systems are more static and built on pre-defined principles.

    Constitutional Principles

    • Parliamentary Sovereignty: The legislature (parliament/national assembly) has the highest authority.
    • Separation of Powers: Division of power between the executive (government), legislative (parliament), and judicial (courts).
    • Fusion of Powers: Overlaps in power between different branches, especially in executive branches.

    Private Law

    • Contract Law: Deals with contracts, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and receipts.
    • Tort Law: Situations where a party is harmed by another's wrongful conduct and is entitled to a legal remedy.
    • Property Law: Includes ownership, possessions and other tangible goods.
    • Trusts Law: Legal structures for managing assets belonging to others.
    • Family Law: Covers relationships, family-related issues.

    Public Law

    • Civil Law: The system that a particular country uses and specifically in relation to private law.
    • Criminal Law: The standard of proof is higher for more severe crimes.

    The Role of Parliament

    • House of Commons: 650 elected members every 5 years.
    • House of Lords: Members are appointed, usually based on past service or political positions.

    Constitutional Reform Act 2005

    • Established the Supreme Court as the highest court in the UK.
    • Reformed the role of the Lord Chancellor..

    Prerogative Powers

    • Traditionally held by the monarch, these powers are exercised by the government (especially the Prime Minister). Examples include conducting foreign affairs, negotiating treaties, going to war, and making public appointments.

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    Related Documents

    TD Introduction to UK Law PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on key vocabulary and terminology related to common law and civil law systems. This quiz covers important concepts such as binding precedent, prerogative powers, and the differences in law-making between these legal systems. Prepare for your midterm and final exams with confidence!

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