Q.1 Which ancient civilization is credited with creating the first known written legal code?
Romans
Egyptians
Babylonians
Greeks
Explanation - The Code of Hammurabi, created by the Babylonians around 1754 BCE, is considered the first known written legal code.
Correct answer is: Babylonians
Q.2 The Code of Hammurabi was named after which historical figure?
King Tutankhamun
King Hammurabi
Emperor Augustus
King Solomon
Explanation - King Hammurabi of Babylon developed the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest and most comprehensive sets of laws.
Correct answer is: King Hammurabi
Q.3 Roman law was compiled into which famous legal document during Emperor Justinian's rule?
Magna Carta
Corpus Juris Civilis
Domesday Book
Twelve Tables
Explanation - The Corpus Juris Civilis, or 'Body of Civil Law,' was compiled by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century CE and is the foundation of modern civil law systems.
Correct answer is: Corpus Juris Civilis
Q.4 Which document, signed in 1215, is considered a cornerstone of modern constitutional law?
The Bill of Rights
Magna Carta
The Petition of Right
The English Civil Code
Explanation - The Magna Carta limited the powers of the English king and established certain legal protections for subjects.
Correct answer is: Magna Carta
Q.5 The concept of 'rule of law' means that:
Only kings are above the law
Everyone, including rulers, is subject to the law
Laws apply only to citizens
Laws can be changed arbitrarily
Explanation - The rule of law ensures that no one is above the law, even government officials or monarchs.
Correct answer is: Everyone, including rulers, is subject to the law
Q.6 The Twelve Tables were the earliest attempt to create a code of law for which civilization?
Greek
Roman
Egyptian
Chinese
Explanation - The Twelve Tables were the foundation of Roman law and were created around 450 BCE to make laws accessible to all citizens.
Correct answer is: Roman
Q.7 Common law originated in which country?
France
England
Germany
Italy
Explanation - Common law developed in medieval England and is based on judicial decisions and precedents.
Correct answer is: England
Q.8 Which type of law is primarily based on written codes rather than judicial decisions?
Common law
Civil law
Customary law
Equity law
Explanation - Civil law systems are based on comprehensive written legal codes rather than court precedents.
Correct answer is: Civil law
Q.9 The Napoleonic Code was introduced in which country?
Italy
Spain
France
Germany
Explanation - The Napoleonic Code, introduced in 1804 in France, became one of the most influential civil law systems worldwide.
Correct answer is: France
Q.10 Which ancient legal code is closely associated with the principle of 'an eye for an eye'?
Magna Carta
Twelve Tables
Code of Hammurabi
Napoleonic Code
Explanation - The Code of Hammurabi introduced the concept of 'lex talionis,' or retributive justice, often summarized as 'an eye for an eye.'
Correct answer is: Code of Hammurabi
Q.11 The English Bill of Rights was enacted in which year?
1066
1215
1689
1776
Explanation - The English Bill of Rights of 1689 limited the powers of the monarchy and established parliamentary sovereignty.
Correct answer is: 1689
Q.12 Which philosopher is known for the social contract theory that influenced modern legal systems?
Thomas Hobbes
Karl Marx
Adam Smith
Sigmund Freud
Explanation - Thomas Hobbes' social contract theory explained how governments derive authority from the consent of the governed.
Correct answer is: Thomas Hobbes
Q.13 Feudal law in medieval Europe was based primarily on:
Trade agreements
Land ownership and obligations
Democratic principles
Religious texts only
Explanation - Feudal law was based on the relationship between lords and vassals, primarily regarding land and military service.
Correct answer is: Land ownership and obligations
Q.14 The U.S. Constitution was ratified in which year?
1776
1787
1791
1804
Explanation - The U.S. Constitution was signed in 1787 and ratified shortly thereafter, forming the foundation of American law.
Correct answer is: 1787
Q.15 The concept of precedent, where past decisions guide future rulings, is central to which legal system?
Civil law
Common law
Religious law
Military law
Explanation - Precedent, also known as stare decisis, is a key feature of the common law system.
Correct answer is: Common law
Q.16 Which ancient Greek philosopher significantly influenced Western legal thought?
Plato
Confucius
Sun Tzu
Hammurabi
Explanation - Plato's ideas on justice and governance laid the groundwork for later developments in Western legal philosophy.
Correct answer is: Plato
Q.17 The concept of natural law is based on the belief that:
Law is created solely by governments
Laws change depending on rulers
Law is derived from universal moral principles
Laws are irrelevant without enforcement
Explanation - Natural law theory holds that certain rights and laws exist inherently and are based on moral reasoning.
Correct answer is: Law is derived from universal moral principles
Q.18 The Domesday Book, an important historical legal record, was created in which country?
France
Germany
England
Italy
Explanation - The Domesday Book was a survey of land and resources in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086.
Correct answer is: England
Q.19 Sharia law is primarily based on which religious tradition?
Hinduism
Christianity
Islam
Buddhism
Explanation - Sharia law is derived from Islamic teachings, including the Quran and Hadith.
Correct answer is: Islam
Q.20 The trial by jury system originated in which country?
France
England
Greece
Rome
Explanation - The trial by jury system began in medieval England and became a hallmark of common law systems.
Correct answer is: England
Q.21 Which U.S. document begins with the phrase 'We the People'?
The Declaration of Independence
The Bill of Rights
The U.S. Constitution
The Federalist Papers
Explanation - The preamble of the U.S. Constitution famously begins with 'We the People,' emphasizing popular sovereignty.
Correct answer is: The U.S. Constitution
Q.22 The Petition of Right, signed in 1628, was significant because it:
Declared independence from Britain
Limited the power of the monarch
Established new tax laws
Created the Parliament
Explanation - The Petition of Right was a constitutional document that restricted the king's authority, especially in taxation and imprisonment.
Correct answer is: Limited the power of the monarch
Q.23 The concept of 'checks and balances' in government was influenced by which philosopher?
Montesquieu
Locke
Plato
Aristotle
Explanation - Montesquieu's work 'The Spirit of Laws' introduced the idea of separating government powers to prevent abuse.
Correct answer is: Montesquieu
Q.24 The Code of Justinian influenced which modern legal system the most?
Common law
Civil law
Religious law
Martial law
Explanation - The Code of Justinian served as the foundation for many modern civil law systems worldwide.
Correct answer is: Civil law
Q.25 Roman legal principles emphasized the idea of 'paterfamilias,' which referred to:
State authority
Head of the household
Religious leaders
Military generals
Explanation - The concept of 'paterfamilias' in Roman law gave the male head of the household legal authority over family members.
Correct answer is: Head of the household