LNAT Knowledge 2

Question 1

Which doctrine holds that a court is bound by its own previous decisions?

Accepted Answer

Stare decisis

Answer

Stare decisis (Latin: 'to stand by things decided') requires courts to follow precedent set by higher or equal courts.

Question 2

Under the US Constitution, which amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures?

Accepted Answer

Fourth Amendment

Answer

The Fourth Amendment prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures and requires warrants to be supported by probable cause.

Question 3

What is the legal term for a false statement of fact that harms someone's reputation?

Accepted Answer

Defamation

Answer

Defamation is the umbrella term for false statements that harm reputation; libel refers to written form and slander to spoken form.

Question 4

In English law, which court is the highest court of appeal?

Accepted Answer

Supreme Court of the United Kingdom

Answer

The UK Supreme Court, established in 2009, replaced the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords as the final court of appeal.

Question 5

What does 'mens rea' refer to in criminal law?

Accepted Answer

The guilty mind or criminal intent

Answer

Mens rea (Latin: 'guilty mind') refers to the mental element or criminal intent required for most offences.

LNAT Practice Test