Legal systems can be broadly divided into two main types: common law and civil law. Most countries in the world use one of these systems, although many countries in the Middle East and North Africa have religious law. Some other countries usually in the developing world- have a system of customary law, which is based on patterns of behaviour in a particular social setting or community. There are also mixed systems in operation, but these are not widespread. Common law is defined as a legal system which is based on a tradition of previous judgments, or ’cases’. In this system judges base their judgements on ’like cases’ which are very similar to the one before them. This is why another term, case law, actually means the same as common law. In countries with civil law systems, judgements are made with reference to codes and statutes rather than previous cases. Civil law systems are more structured and rely on comprehensive legal codes that outline all matters that can be brought before a court. In contrast, common law evolves over time through judicial decisions, allowing for greater flexibility in interpretation.
Common law is also known as _____.
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- Religious law
- Case law
- Customary law
- Civil law
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Identify key line from passage.
\[ {“case law actually means the same as common law”} \]
Step 2: Evaluate options.
- (A) Religious law $\times$ different system
- (B) Case law \checkmark correct
- (C) Customary law $\times$ different system
- (D) Civil law $\times$ different system
Hence, the correct answer is Case law.
Civil law systems rely on ________ to make judgments.
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- Previous cases
- Legal codes
- Customary practices
- Religious texts
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Identify key idea from passage.
\[ {Civil law relies on codes and statutes rather than previous cases} \]
Step 2: Evaluate options.
- (A) Previous cases $\times$ used in common law
- (B) Legal codes \checkmark correct
- (C) Customary practices $\times$ different system
- (D) Religious texts $\times$ different system
Hence, the correct answer is Legal codes.
A key advantage of common law is its _______.
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- Strict structure
- Flexibility
- Religious foundation
- Dependence on codes
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Identify key line from passage.
\[ {Common law evolves over time, allowing greater flexibility} \]
Step 2: Evaluate options.
- (A) Strict structure $\times$ relates to civil law
- (B) Flexibility \checkmark correct
- (C) Religious foundation $\times$ unrelated
- (D) Dependence on codes $\times$ civil law feature
Hence, the correct answer is Flexibility.
Religious law is mostly found in _____.
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- North America
- Europe
- Middle East
- Australia
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Identify key line from passage.
\[ {Many countries in the Middle East use religious law} \]
Step 2: Evaluate options.
- (A) North America $\times$ not mentioned
- (B) Europe $\times$ not mentioned
- (C) Middle East \checkmark correct
- (D) Australia $\times$ not mentioned
Hence, the correct answer is Middle East.
The word “customary” in the passage means _____.
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- Traditional
- Legal
- Uncommon
- Official
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understand context.
\[ {Customary law} \Rightarrow {based on traditions and social practices} \]
Step 2: Evaluate options.
- (A) Traditional \checkmark correct
- (B) Legal $\times$ too general
- (C) Uncommon $\times$ opposite meaning
- (D) Official $\times$ different meaning
Hence, the correct answer is Traditional.