SQE2 Case & Matter Analysis

Question 1

When analysing a civil dispute, the first step is to identify:

Accepted Answer

The cause of action and the legal basis for the claim

Answer

Identifying the cause of action establishes the legal framework and determines what elements must be proved, what defences might arise and which court has jurisdiction.

Question 2

Limitation periods in contract claims in England & Wales are governed by the Limitation Act 1980, which provides:

Accepted Answer

6 years from breach for simple contracts, 12 years for deeds

Answer

Simple contracts have a 6-year limitation period from the date of breach; contracts made by deed have 12 years; a 3-year period applies to personal injury claims.

Question 3

In a negligence claim, to establish breach of duty the solicitor must show:

Accepted Answer

The defendant fell below the standard of the reasonable person in the circumstances

Answer

Breach of duty is assessed objectively against the standard of the reasonable person (or reasonable professional in professional negligence), not by reference to subjective intent.

Question 4

Which principle allows a court to draw an inference of negligence from the mere occurrence of an accident?

Accepted Answer

Res ipsa loquitur

Answer

Res ipsa loquitur ('the thing speaks for itself') allows the court to infer breach of duty where the accident would not ordinarily occur without negligence and the defendant was in control.

Question 5

In professional negligence, the test for the standard of care applicable to a solicitor is:

Accepted Answer

The standard of the reasonably competent solicitor in the relevant field

Answer

The Bolam/Bolitho test adapted for solicitors requires the standard of the ordinary competent practitioner in that specialism — not the most skilled, but not the least either.

SQE2 Practice Test

SQE2 Practice Test

SQE2 Case & Matter Analysis