types of law

Question 1

What are the two foundations of the English and Welsh legal systems?

Answer 1

Common law and statutory law.

Question 2

What are the primary purposes of a legal system?

Answer 2

Regulate society, resolve disputes, and ensure justice.

Question 3

Name the four key legal categories.

Answer 3

Case Law, Legislation, Civil Law, Criminal Law.

Question 4

What is case law?

Answer 4

Law created through judicial decisions and interpretations.

Question 5

What is the principle of stare decisis?

Answer 5

The doctrine that courts should follow precedents to ensure consistency.

Question 6

What is a binding precedent?

Answer 6

A decision from a higher court that lower courts must follow.

Question 7

What is a persuasive precedent?

Answer 7

A decision that can influence a court but is not obligatory to follow.

Question 8

What legal concept was established in Donoghue v Stevenson (1932)?

Answer 8

The manufacturer’s duty of care—foundation of modern negligence law.

Question 9

What is legislation?

Answer 9

Law created by Parliament (statutes) to address specific issues.

Question 10

What are the stages of the legislative process?

Answer 10

Proposal → Debate/Approval → Royal Assent.

Question 11

What happens during Royal Assent?

Answer 11

The Monarch gives final approval, making the bill law.

Question 12

What is the focus of civil law?

Answer 12

Resolving disputes between private individuals/entities.

Question 13

What is the goal of civil law?

Answer 13

Compensation, not punishment.

Question 14

Give three examples of civil law cases.

Answer 14

Contract disputes, tort claims, family law.

Question 15

What are damages in civil law?

Answer 15

Financial compensation for harm or loss.

Question 16

What is an injunction?

Answer 16

A court order requiring an action or stopping an act.

Question 17

What is specific performance?

Answer 17

An order to carry out a contract’s terms (e.g., property transfer).

Question 18

What are declaratory orders?

Answer 18

Clarification of legal rights or status.

Question 19

What is criminal law?

Answer 19

Laws that define crimes and punishments, enforced by the state.

Question 20

What is the objective of criminal law?

Answer 20

Maintain public order and safety.

Question 21

Name five common criminal offenses.

Answer 21

Theft, assault, murder, drug trafficking, fraud.

Question 22

What are the goals of criminal sanctions?

Answer 22

Deterrence, protection, rehabilitation

Question 23

When was the death penalty abolished in the UK?

Answer 23

1965.

Question 24

What are easements?

Answer 24

Legal rights to cross or use someone else’s land.

Question 25

Legal rights to cross or use someone else’s land.

Answer 25

Right of way, utility access.

Question 26

What is a wayleave?

Answer 26

A contractual right for utility companies to run cables/pipes through land, usually with compensation.

Question 27

What law governs UK planning permission?

Answer 27

Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Question 28

When is planning permission required?

Answer 28

For new builds, extensions, and changes in land use.

Question 29

What factors do planning authorities assess?

Answer 29

Environmental impact, community suitability, building design.

Question 30

What does the Party Wall Act 1996 regulate?

Answer 30

Construction involving shared walls; requires neighbour notice and possible agreement.

Question 31

Why is identifying property boundaries important?

Answer 31

To prevent disputes and legal delays during construction.