2024 Paper 1, one-markers

Question 1

Which one of the following statements about the role of magistrates is false?

Answer 1

C Magistrates can try indictable only offences.

Question 2

Which of the following is not part of the role of a judge during a civil trial?

Answer 2

C To decide the sentence.

Question 3

Which of the following is most likely to use ‘lobbying’ as a way of influencing Parliament?

Answer 3

B Pressure groups.

Question 4

Which of the following is a source of law involving judges making a new law?

Answer 4

B Common law.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes what happens in an action for breach of contract?

Answer 5

B The claimant sues the defendant.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes where the rules of contract law can be found?

Answer 6

D Partly in common law and partly in statute law.

Question 7

In the context of a statutory instrument (a form of delegated legislation), what does the term ‘ultra vires’ mean?

Answer 7

C The statutory instrument has gone beyond the powers granted by Parliament to make laws.

Question 8

When interpreting a statute, which of the following requires a judge to give words their plain, ordinary meaning even if the outcome is absurd?

Answer 8

B Literal Rule.

Question 9

Which statement best describes a ‘binding precedent’ within the doctrine of judicial precedent?

Answer 9

C A judgement made in a previous case which must be followed by judges in later cases.

Question 10

Public funding is sometimes available for criminal cases, as long as the ‘interests of justice’ test is met. Which of the following is not relevant to the ‘interests of justice’ test?

Answer 10

B The financial status of the defendant.

Question 11

In a claim for negligence, the court must decide if there has been a breach of the duty of care. Which of the following will the court not take into account when reaching this decision?

Answer 11

D Whether the defendant was using the standard of the reasonable person.

Question 12

Which of the following is not part of the work of the Law Commission?

Answer 12

B Enacting new laws.

Question 13

When new legislation is enacted in Parliament, which of the two Houses of Parliament is usually more powerful?

Answer 13

A The House of Commons.

Question 14

Which statement best describes the availability of legal aid in a civil case?

Answer 14

D rarely available, and is subject to means testing.

Question 15

Select the true statement about misrepresentation in the Law of Contract.

Answer 15

A A false statement can be misrepresentation even if it is not the only factor which induces the claimant to make the contract.

Question 16

Select the false statement about the rules of contract.

Answer 16

B A party’s performance of a contract will be a breach only if it was negligent.

Question 17

Select the false statement about the rule of law.

Answer 17

C Public officials should be given maximum freedom to make decisions affecting the legal rights of citizens.

Question 18

Select the true statement about the independence of the judiciary.

Answer 18

C Judges in superior courts cannot easily be removed from office.

Question 19

Select the false statement about delegated legislation.

Answer 19

B It is generally well publicised.

Question 20

Select the statement that most accurately describes the aim of the purposive approach to statutory interpretation.

Answer 20

B. Finding what Parliament intended to achieve

Question 21

A defendant who pleads guilty to an offence in the Magistrates’ Court can appeal to the Crown Court against:

Answer 21

D. Sentence only

Question 22

Select the false statement about lay magistrates.

Answer 22

C. Lay magistrates do not hear either-way offences

Question 23

Which type of judge normally hears appeals in the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal?

Answer 23

D. Lord Justice of Appeal

Question 24

In the House of Commons, a bill will have a second reading. Which statement best describes a second reading?

Answer 24

A. A debate on the main principles of the bill, followed by a vote

Question 25

Select the false statement. The concept of parliamentary supremacy (parliamentary sovereignty) states that Parliament has the power to:

Answer 25

C. Enact a statute which cannot be repealed

Question 26

Select the false statement about delegated legislation.

Answer 26

B. Delegated legislation is made by a person or body under powers given by the Government.

Question 27

Select the false statement about judges.

Answer 27

D. Supreme Court judges can only be removed from office by the Prime Minister.

Question 28

Select the true statement about advice and funding in civil cases.

Answer 28

B. A conditional fee agreement may result in a successful claimant having to pay a significant amount of the damages to the claimant’s solicitor.

Question 29

Within statutory interpretation, which one of the following is not an intrinsic (internal) aid to interpretation?

Answer 29

A. A Law Commission Report

Question 30

Select the true statement about the role of the jury within the criminal justice system. The jury will

Answer 30

C. reach a verdict based on the facts presented.

Question 31

A pressure group may try to influence Parliament and persuade it to pass certain laws. Which of the following statements about pressure groups is false?

Answer 31

B. Pressure groups always put forward candidates for election to Parliament in order to promote their ideas.

Question 32

Select the true statement about judges in civil cases.

Answer 32

C. District judges try small claims cases in the County Court.

Question 33

Select the false statement about the independence of the judiciary.

Answer 33

D. The Lord Chancellor is the only government minister allowed to influence the decision of a judge in a case.

Question 34

Delegated legislation in the form of statutory instruments is subject to various controls. Select the true statement about controls on statutory instruments.

Answer 34

C. Many statutory instruments become law unless Parliament votes to reject them within a specified time (usually 40 days) of being issued.

Question 35

In criminal law, which one of the following statements best describes the rules on burden and standard of proof in most cases?

Answer 35

C. The prosecution must prove the case against the defendant beyond all reasonable doubt.

Question 36

In which one of the following situations could a case be heard in the Supreme Court?

Answer 36

C. An appeal raising a point of law that is of public importance.

Question 37

Which one of the following is a role of the jury?

Answer 37

B. Deciding the guilt or innocence of the defendant.

Question 38

Which one of the following statements is false in relation to The Law Commission?

Answer 38

A. The Law Commission’s proposals are always accepted by the Government.

Question 39

Which one of the following statements is true in relation to superior judges?

Answer 39

C. They cannot be dismissed by the Government.