LSAT Reading Comprehension: Science and Law Passages 2

Question 1

A science passage describes a researcher who disputes the mainstream interpretation of fossil evidence, arguing that existing data supports an alternative evolutionary timeline. The author's primary purpose is most likely to:

Accepted Answer

Present the researcher's argument and evaluate its merits relative to mainstream views

Answer

LSAT RC passages presenting a dissenting scientific view typically ask readers to identify the author's balanced evaluative purpose rather than a one-sided endorsement.

Question 2

A legal passage states: 'Courts have consistently held that evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment is inadmissible, yet exceptions carved out over decades have significantly narrowed this exclusionary rule.' The word 'carved' most nearly suggests that the exceptions were:

Accepted Answer

Created deliberately and incrementally through judicial decisions

Answer

The metaphor of 'carving' implies active, deliberate shaping over time, consistent with incremental judicial decision-making.

Question 3

According to an LSAT science passage on climate modeling, scientists use ensemble models rather than single models primarily because:

Accepted Answer

Ensemble models average out individual model biases and better capture uncertainty

Answer

Ensemble approaches are valued in climate science for reducing bias through averaging and representing the range of possible outcomes.

Question 4

A law passage discusses strict liability torts, noting that defendants are held liable regardless of fault. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument that strict liability promotes social welfare?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturers subject to strict liability invest more in product safety than those subject only to negligence standards

Answer

Evidence that strict liability incentivizes safety investment directly supports the social welfare justification by showing a beneficial behavioral change.

Question 5

A comparative reading passage pairs a scientific study on cognitive bias with a legal scholar's essay on jury decision-making. The most likely reason the test makers paired these passages is to:

Accepted Answer

Illustrate how empirical findings about cognition can illuminate and challenge legal assumptions

Answer

Comparative passages typically pair texts to show how insights from one field apply to or complicate assumptions in another.

LSAT - Law School Admission Test Practice Test

LSAT - Law School Admission Test Practice Test

LSAT Reading Comprehension: Science and Law Passages 2