#1
Which of the following is not considered a primary source of law?
Legal textbooks
ExplanationLegal textbooks are secondary sources that interpret and explain the law, rather than being primary sources of law themselves.
#2
Which of the following is not a characteristic of civil law systems?
Emphasis on judicial precedent
ExplanationCivil law systems primarily rely on codified laws and statutes rather than judicial precedent.
#3
What is the term for a legal rule or principle that has been established through a series of court decisions?
Case law
ExplanationCase law consists of legal principles derived from judicial decisions.
#4
What term refers to the power of a court to hear and decide a case?
Jurisdiction
ExplanationJurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear and decide a case.
#5
What is the highest source of law in the United States?
The Constitution
ExplanationThe Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework for government and individual rights.
#6
Which legal doctrine allows courts to rely on precedent in deciding cases?
Stare decisis
ExplanationStare decisis is the legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent.
#7
Which of the following is not a form of jurisdiction commonly recognized in legal systems?
Tributary jurisdiction
ExplanationTributary jurisdiction is not a commonly recognized form of jurisdiction in legal systems.
#8
What is the Latin term for 'the thing has been decided'?
Res judicata
ExplanationRes judicata is the legal doctrine that once a matter has been adjudicated by a competent court, it cannot be pursued further by the same parties.
#9
What is the term for a legal principle that prevents a person from asserting a claim or defense that contradicts what they have previously said or done?
Estoppel
ExplanationEstoppel is a legal doctrine preventing a party from asserting a position contradictory to what they previously maintained.
#10
Which type of law governs the relationship between individuals and the government, and protects individual rights?
Public law
ExplanationPublic law governs the relationship between individuals and the government, including constitutional, administrative, and criminal law.
#11
What is the Latin term for 'to be informed of, or to have knowledge of'?
Ignorantia juris non excusat
ExplanationIgnorantia juris non excusat means 'ignorance of the law is no excuse'.
#12
Which of the following best defines 'Common Law'?
Laws based on customs and precedents
ExplanationCommon Law refers to laws developed through judicial decisions and precedent rather than through legislative statutes.
#13
Which type of jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear a case for the first time?
Original jurisdiction
ExplanationOriginal jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear a case for the first time, as opposed to appellate jurisdiction, which involves reviewing decisions of lower courts.
#14
Which doctrine allows a court to refuse to hear a case that has already been decided on the same facts and legal issues?
Res judicata
ExplanationRes judicata prevents relitigation of issues already decided by a court.
#15
What term refers to a court order requiring a person to appear in court or produce certain documents?
Subpoena
ExplanationA subpoena is a court-issued order requiring a person to appear in court or produce certain documents.
#16
What is the term for a legal doctrine that prevents a person from relitigating an issue that has already been decided?
Res judicata
ExplanationRes judicata prevents relitigation of issues already decided by a court.