LSIT Legal and Ethical Issues 4

Question 1

A surveyor learns confidential information about a client's land during a project.
The client's competitor later hires the surveyor and asks about the first client's boundary situation.
What should the surveyor do?

Accepted Answer

Maintain confidentiality and decline to disclose the prior client's information

Answer

Share the information since it is related to land, which is public record

Answer

Disclose the information to the new client as part of due diligence

Answer

Require the new client to sign a waiver before sharing

Question 2

In a court case involving a disputed boundary, survey testimony is most likely to be admitted as which type of evidence?

Accepted Answer

Expert opinion evidence

Answer

Hearsay evidence

Answer

Character evidence

Answer

Circumstantial evidence

Question 3

The legal principle that a grantor cannot convey more title than they actually possess is known as:

Accepted Answer

Nemo dat quod non habet

Answer

Caveat emptor

Answer

Res ipsa loquitur

Answer

Stare decisis

Question 4

When a surveyor is hired by both a buyer and seller in the same transaction, what ethical step is MOST important?

Accepted Answer

Obtain written informed consent from both parties disclosing the dual engagement

Answer

Proceed normally since both parties benefit from an accurate survey

Answer

Decline the project since dual representation is always prohibited

Answer

Charge double the normal fee to compensate for the conflict

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the legal effect of recording a subdivision plat in the public records?

Accepted Answer

It offers the lots for public sale and dedicates shown public areas to the public

Answer

It prevents any future changes to lot lines

Answer

It transfers title of all lots to the county government

Answer

It guarantees the accuracy of all boundary measurements shown

Question 6

Under which scenario is a surveyor most likely to face a claim of professional negligence?

Accepted Answer

Failing to locate an existing easement that was visible in public records

Answer

Using GPS equipment instead of traditional total station instruments

Answer

Charging a fee higher than a competitor's rate

Answer

Completing a survey faster than the industry average

Question 7

A surveyor discovers human remains while conducting fieldwork. What is the appropriate immediate action under federal and most state laws?

Accepted Answer

Stop work immediately and notify local law enforcement and, if applicable, tribal authorities

Answer

Continue work and report the find at the end of the project

Answer

Remove and rebury the remains to avoid project delays

Answer

Document the location and report only to the client