Civics Polity · Law Legal Studies

Judiciary and Legal Systems

1,782 Questions

Judiciary and legal systems form the framework for interpreting laws and delivering justice. Questions in this section explore judicial review, the hierarchy of courts, and the issuance of writs. This topic is crucial for polity and law prelims preparation.

Judicial reviewHigh courts structureIssuance of writsSubordinate courtsPublic interest litigation

Judiciary and Legal Systems Questions

Multiple choice

The tendency for increased litigation was visible after the introduction of the land settlement system of Lord Cornwallis in 1793. The reason for this is normally traced to which of the following provisions.

  1. Making Zamindar's positois stronger vis-a-vis the ryot.

  2. Making East India Company and overload of Zamindars.

  3. Making judicial system more efficient.

  4. None of the (1), (2) and (3) above.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Lord Cornwallis had increased the litigation and the main reason for this was Court Fee, which was removed. Lawyers were to prescribe their fees. Ordinary people could sue the Government servants if they committed mistakes. None of the option is suitable to give the reason of the question. Hence, option (d) is the answer.

Multiple choice

Consider the following statements:

1.         Attorney General of India is the Indian government's chief legal advisor. 2.         Attorney General is an elected representative by judicial bench. 3.         Attorney General must be a person qualified to be appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only

  2. 1 and 3 only

  3. 2 and 3 only

  4. 1, 2 and 3
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Statement 1: It is correct. The Attorney General for India is the Indian government's chief legal advisor, and its primary lawyer in the Supreme Court of India. He is appointed by the President of India under Article 76(1) of the Constitution and holds office during the pleasure of the President. Statement 2: It is incorrect. Attorney General for India is appointed by the President of India under Article 76(1) of the Constitution and holds office during the pleasure of the President. Statement 3: It is correct. He must be a person qualified to be appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court, also must have been a judge of some high court for five years or an advocate of some high court for ten years or an eminent jurist, in the opinion of the President and must be a citizen of India.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. As per the Indian High Courts Act, High Courts were created in Calcutta, Bombay and Madras by the amalgamation of the Supreme Court and the Sadar Diwani Adalat in 1861.

  2. A Code of Civil Procedure and a Code of Criminal Procedure were promulgated in 1867.

  1. 1 only

  2. 2 only

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Indian High Courts Act of 1861 established High Courts in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras. The Codes of Civil and Criminal Procedure were enacted in 1859 and 1861 respectively, not 1867.

Multiple choice

Which power regarding the federal judiciary was established in Marbury v. Madison?

  1. The president appoints all federal judges.

  2. The Congress creates lower federal courts

  3. Members of the federal courts serve lifeterms.

  4. Federal laws may be declared unconstitutional.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review, which grants the judiciary the power to declare laws unconstitutional.

Multiple choice

In Marbury v. Madison (1803), the SupremeCourt established a precedent for

  1. judicial review

  2. the impeachment process for civil officers

  3. lifetime offices for justices

  4. treaty ratification procedures
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review, which allows the Supreme Court to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional. This decision solidified the role of the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government.

Multiple choice

The Supreme Court under Chief Justice Warren made several landmark decisions that

  1. draw criticism for supporting States rights

  2. Weakened the power of the federal government

  3. Strengthened the authority of the police

  4. Increased the rights of individuals
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Warren Court is famous for decisions like Brown v. Board of Education, Gideon v. Wainwright, and Miranda v. Arizona, which expanded civil liberties and the rights of the accused. These rulings generally limited government power over individuals.

Multiple choice

Judicial review is most accurately described as the power of the

  1. President to override Supreme Court

  2. State courts to overturn Supreme Court

  3. Senate to approve all Presidential appointments

  4. Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of laws
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Judicial review is the authority of the Supreme Court to examine legislative and executive acts and declare them unconstitutional. This power was formally established in Marbury v. Madison.

Multiple choice

What does the Supreme Court do?

  1. tell other courts what they must do

  2. make sure laws follow the Constitution

  3. decide on the punishment for those convicted

  4. make laws
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review, which allows it to interpret laws and ensure they align with the Constitution.

Multiple choice

How many Justices are on the Supreme Court?

  1. 10

  2. 8

  3. 9
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Supreme Court of the United States has consisted of nine Justices since the Judiciary Act of 1869. This includes one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.

Multiple choice

What is the highest court of the U.S.?

  1. The Supreme Court

  2. Appellate Courts

  3. Trials Courts
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Supreme Court is the highest federal court in the United States. It has the final authority on the interpretation of the Constitution and federal laws.

Multiple choice

Who can recommend laws?

  1. Representative

  2. Legislative

  3. Judicial

  4. Executive
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Executive branch, led by the President, has the power to recommend legislation to Congress and influence the national agenda.

Multiple choice

Which branch gets to appoint judges?

  1. Representative

  2. Executive

  3. Legislative

  4. Judicial
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The President (Executive branch) has the power to nominate federal judges, who must then be confirmed by the Senate.

Multiple choice

Which branch can serve for life?

  1. Judicial

  2. Representative

  3. Executive

  4. Legislative
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Federal judges, including Supreme Court Justices, are appointed for life to ensure their independence from political pressure.