CILEX L3 Cheat Sheet 2026
The 30 highest-yield CILEX L3 facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.
- Under the doctrine of privity of contract, who can enforce the terms of a contract? → Only the parties to the contract, unless an exception applies
- What are 'exemplary (punitive) damages' in tort? → Damages exceeding compensation, awarded to punish outrageous conduct by the defendant
- What does a 'conditional order' (formerly decree nisi) signify in divorce proceedings? → The court is satisfied the applicant is entitled to divorce but it is not yet finalised
- What is a 'restrictive covenant' in land law? → A negative obligation that restricts how land is used, which can bind successors in title
- What is meant by 'adversarial system' in English law? → A system where two opposing parties present their cases before an independent judge
- What is 'strict liability' in criminal law? → Offences where no mens rea is required as to one or more elements of the actus reus
- What is the standard of proof in criminal proceedings? → Beyond reasonable doubt (the prosecution must prove guilt so that the jury is sure)
- What is an 'invitation to treat'? → An invitation to make an offer, not an offer itself
- What is a 'covenant to repair' in a lease? → An obligation, usually on the tenant, to keep the premises in good repair during the term
- What is a Child Arrangements Order under s.8 of the Children Act 1989? → An order regulating with whom a child lives, spends time, or has contact
- What is a 'liquidated damages' clause? → A genuine pre-estimate of loss agreed by the parties to be payable on breach
- What is a 'practice direction' in the English legal system? → Guidance issued by the courts on procedural matters
- What is 'automatism' as a defence in criminal law? → An involuntary act done without conscious control where the mind does not direct the act
- What is a 'profit à prendre'? → A right to enter another's land and take something from it, such as fish, game, or wood
- What is a 'dissenting judgment'? → A judgment by a judge who disagrees with the majority decision of the court
- What is the 'nemo dat' rule in property law? → A person cannot transfer a better title than they have
- What is 'misrepresentation' in contract law? → A false statement of fact made by one party that induces the other to enter the contract
- What is the postal rule as established in Adams v Lindsell (1818)? → Acceptance takes effect when the letter is posted, not when it is received
- Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which of the following terms is implied into every contract for the supply of goods to a consumer? → Goods must be of satisfactory quality
- Which court hears appeals against conviction from the Crown Court? → The Court of Appeal (Criminal Division)
- What is 'legal professional privilege'? → The right to keep communications between a lawyer and client confidential
- What exception allows recovery for pure economic loss arising from negligent misstatement? → Hedley Byrne v Heller [1964] — a special relationship of reliance creates a duty of care
- Which Act governs the court's wide discretionary powers to make financial orders on divorce in England and Wales? → Matrimonial Causes Act 1973
- What does the 'clean break' principle under s.25A of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 seek to achieve? → Ending financial ties between former spouses as soon as practicable
- What is the 'but-for' test used to establish in negligence? → Whether the defendant's breach caused the claimant's damage
- In White v White [2000], the House of Lords introduced which concept as a check against discrimination in ancillary relief? → The yardstick of equality
- What body regulates CILEX members? → CILEx Regulation (the independent regulatory body for Chartered Legal Executives)
- What is the actus reus of theft under the Theft Act 1968? → Appropriation of property belonging to another
- Which of the following is an example of an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method? → Mediation
- What is the qualifying period of continuous employment generally required before an employee can claim ordinary unfair dismissal? → 2 years
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