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Jurisprudence and Legal Theory Mains PYQs | LawFoyer

Jurisprudence & Legal Theory Mains Previous Year Questions
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Subjective question bank · source-linked

Jurisprudence and Legal Theory Mains Previous Year Questions (Subjective)

This topic-wise LawFoyer collection contains 148 source-attributed subjective questions from 25 examination papers. It covers West Bengal, Jharkhand and Assam papers dated 2014–2025. Each entry provides a question, its topic, examination attribution and a linked source. The page includes filters for exam, year and question type, without model responses.

Research date: 14 November 2026 · 148 question occurrences · 146 unique normalised prompts · 25 papers · 2014–2025

Scope and verification

These source-attributed descriptive previous-year questions are classified under jurisprudence and legal theory. The dataset includes judiciary and civil-service descriptive papers. Each occurrence is retained separately, even when a question recurs. Questions are faithfully reformulated for editorial clarity, not presented as verbatim quotations.

Only examination questions and their source metadata appear below. No practice questions or model responses have been added.

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148 question occurrences

Nature, Scope and Functions of Law

23 question occurrences

JLT-001 · Essay / discussion

Define jurisprudence and discuss its nature and scope.

Subtopic: Definition and scope

West Bengal Judicial Service202020 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2020 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q1.
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2020), original scan · PDF p. 5 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-002 · Essay / discussion

Explain Salmond’s description of jurisprudence as a science of law. State its utility and significance.

Subtopic: Salmond and utility of jurisprudence

West Bengal Judicial Service202010+10 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2020 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q2.
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2020), original scan · PDF p. 5 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-012 · Essay / discussion

Critically examine Salmond’s definition of law as principles recognised and applied by the State in administering justice.

Subtopic: Salmond and nature of law

West Bengal Judicial Service202112 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2021 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q1(a).
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2021), original scan · PDF p. 5 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-018 · Essay / discussion

Discuss the nature of international law against the stated definition of rules binding civilised states. Is international law the vanishing point of jurisprudence?

Subtopic: International law and jurisprudence

West Bengal Judicial Service202115+5 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2021 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q4.
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2021), original scan · PDF p. 5 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-028 · Essay / discussion

Discuss the importance of jurisprudence in legal studies and its relationship with other social sciences.

Subtopic: Jurisprudence and social sciences

West Bengal Judicial Service202220 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2022 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q1.
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2022), original scan · PDF p. 32 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-029 · Essay / discussion

Explain the territorial nature of law.

Subtopic: Territorial nature of law

West Bengal Judicial Service20225 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2022 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q2(a).
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2022), original scan · PDF p. 32 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-030 · Essay / discussion

Discuss the purpose and functions of law.

Subtopic: Purpose and functions of law

West Bengal Judicial Service202215 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2022 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q2(b).
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2022), original scan · PDF p. 32 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-041 · Essay / discussion

Explain how the expression jurisprudence developed from knowledge of law into the science of law, referring to its origin.

Subtopic: Origin and science of law

West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional)202020 marksEvidence B
Asked in: West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional) · 2020 · Law Optional Paper I, Group C · Q9(a).
Source: WBCS Law Optional I, paper code ABC(O)LA-I/20 (document header says 2021) · PDF p. 2 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-042 · Essay / discussion

Discuss the practical role played by jurisprudence in modern society.

Subtopic: Practical utility

West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional)202020 marksEvidence B
Asked in: West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional) · 2020 · Law Optional Paper I, Group C · Q9(b).
Source: WBCS Law Optional I, paper code ABC(O)LA-I/20 (document header says 2021) · PDF p. 2 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-049 · Essay / discussion

Examine Holland’s view that international law is the vanishing point of jurisprudence, with reference to international law’s nature.

Subtopic: International law and jurisprudence

West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional)202320 marksEvidence B
Asked in: West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional) · 2023 · Law Optional Paper I, Groups B/C · Q7(a).
Source: WBCS Law Optional I, MWC(O)-L-I/23, reproduction of paper · PDF p. 2 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-050 · Essay / discussion

Explain the conceptual framework of jurisprudence and discuss the importance and necessity of administering justice.

Subtopic: Concept and administration of justice

West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional)202320 marksEvidence B
Asked in: West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional) · 2023 · Law Optional Paper I, Groups B/C · Q9(a).
Source: WBCS Law Optional I, MWC(O)-L-I/23, reproduction of paper · PDF p. 2 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-051 · Essay / discussion

What is the purpose and function of law?

Subtopic: Purpose and functions of law

West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional)202320 marksEvidence B
Asked in: West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional) · 2023 · Law Optional Paper I, Groups B/C · Q9(b).
Source: WBCS Law Optional I, MWC(O)-L-I/23, reproduction of paper · PDF p. 2 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-056 · Essay / discussion

Explain general jurisprudence and particular jurisprudence.

Subtopic: General and particular jurisprudence

Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains201410 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains · 2014 · Law Paper III, Section E · Q10(a).
Source: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains 2014, Law Paper III, original-question transcription · PDF p. 7 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-065 · Short notes

Write short notes on (i) law and morality and (ii) subordinate legislation.

Subtopic: Law, morality and subordinate legislation

Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains (Backlog)201510 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains (Backlog) · 2015 · Law Paper III, Section E · Q10(b).
Source: Jharkhand Civil Judge 2015 Backlog, Law Paper III · Source page · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-080 · Short note

Write a brief note on: Rule of law. (Original paper: any four options.)

Subtopic: Rule of law

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20235 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2023 · Paper III, Jurisprudence section · Q3(c).
Source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I, Paper III 2023 (held 10 December 2023) · Reproduced paper, Q3 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-085 · Essay / discussion

Explain why the guarantee of equality before the law is an aspect of the rule of law.

Subtopic: Rule of law and equality

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I201410 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2014 · Paper III, Jurisprudence (Group B) · Group B Q2.
Source: Assam Grade I 2014 Paper III original scan · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-106 · Essay / discussion

Define jurisprudence, describe its varieties, and explain the scope of analytical jurisprudence.

Subtopic: Analytical jurisprudence

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE promotion)201810 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE promotion) · 2018 · Paper III, Jurisprudence · Jurisprudence Q4.
Source: Assam Grade I 2018 LDCE Paper III original scan · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-111 · Essay / discussion

Discuss and examine substantive law and procedural law.

Subtopic: Substantive and procedural law

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I201910 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2019 · Paper III, Jurisprudence · Jurisprudence Q2 (first alternative).
Source: Assam Grade I 2019 Paper III original scan (held 23 June 2019) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-122 · Short note

Write a brief note on: Comparison of definitions of law propounded by Aristotle and Roscoe Pound.

Subtopic: Aristotle and Pound definitions of law

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I201910 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2019 · Paper III, Jurisprudence (second 2019 cycle) · Jurisprudence Q4(iii).
Source: Assam Grade I second 2019 cycle Paper III original scan (held 7 March 2020) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-126 · Short note

Write a note on: the ingredients of the common law doctrine.

Subtopic: Common law doctrine

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE promotion)202010 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE promotion) · 2020 · Paper III, Jurisprudence · Jurisprudence Q7(iii).
Source: Assam Grade I 2020 LDCE Paper III original scan (held 11 Oct 2020) · Original court paper, p. 2 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-132 · Essay / discussion

Write an essay on A. V. Dicey’s view of the rule of law.

Subtopic: Dicey and the rule of law

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I202210 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2022 · Paper III, Jurisprudence and theory · Q2.
Source: Assam Grade I 2022 Paper III original scan (held 11 Dec 2022) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-136 · Essay / discussion

Explain the role of law in social change, with examples.

Subtopic: Law and social change

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20245 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2024 · Paper III, Jurisprudence questions 3–4 · Q3(a).
Source: Assam Grade I 2024 Paper III original scan (held 9 March 2025) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-140 · Essay / discussion

Critically examine the relationship between law and morality with reference to the Hart-Fuller debate.

Subtopic: Hart-Fuller debate

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20243 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2024 · Paper III, Jurisprudence questions 3–4 · Q4(b).
Source: Assam Grade I 2024 Paper III original scan (held 9 March 2025) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.

Schools of Jurisprudence

16 question occurrences

JLT-006 · Essay / discussion

Critically examine Roscoe Pound’s idea of law as social engineering balancing social, public and private interests, with examples.

Subtopic: Roscoe Pound and social engineering

West Bengal Judicial Service202020 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2020 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q6.
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2020), original scan · PDF p. 5 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-013 · Essay / discussion

What are the merits of Austin’s theory of law?

Subtopic: Austin’s command theory

West Bengal Judicial Service20218 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2021 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q1(b).
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2021), original scan · PDF p. 5 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-037 · Essay / discussion

Discuss the basic principles of natural law theory explained by St Thomas Aquinas, including any demerits.

Subtopic: St Thomas Aquinas and natural law

West Bengal Judicial Service202220 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2022 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q6.
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2022), original scan · PDF p. 32 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-043 · Essay / discussion

Write an essay on Dean Roscoe Pound’s concept of social engineering.

Subtopic: Roscoe Pound

West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional)202020 marksEvidence B
Asked in: West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional) · 2020 · Law Optional Paper I, Group C · Q10(a).
Source: WBCS Law Optional I, paper code ABC(O)LA-I/20 (document header says 2021) · PDF p. 2 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-046 · Essay / discussion

Critically analyse Savigny’s definition of law and briefly explain the principal doctrines of the historical school.

Subtopic: Savigny and historical school

West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional)202220 marksEvidence B
Asked in: West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional) · 2022 · Law Optional Paper I, Group C · Q9(b).
Source: WBCS Law Optional I, paper code CSM(O)-L-I/22 (attributed reproduction) · Document p. 2 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-047 · Essay / discussion

Discuss the characteristics of the realist movement in jurisprudence.

Subtopic: Legal realism

West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional)202220 marksEvidence B
Asked in: West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional) · 2022 · Law Optional Paper I, Group C · Q10(a).
Source: WBCS Law Optional I, paper code CSM(O)-L-I/22 (attributed reproduction) · Document p. 2 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-048 · Essay / discussion

Distinguish American legal realism from Scandinavian legal realism.

Subtopic: American and Scandinavian realism

West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional)202220 marksEvidence B
Asked in: West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional) · 2022 · Law Optional Paper I, Group C · Q10(b).
Source: WBCS Law Optional I, paper code CSM(O)-L-I/22 (attributed reproduction) · Document p. 2 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-060 · Essay / discussion

Explain the statement: “Internal morality is a procedural version of natural law.”

Subtopic: Internal morality and natural law

Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains201510 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains · 2015 · Law Paper III, Section E · Q9(a).
Source: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains 2015, Law Paper III · Source page · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-062 · Essay / discussion

What is the social engineering theory? Is social engineering possible in India? Explain.

Subtopic: Social engineering in India

Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains (Backlog)201510 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains (Backlog) · 2015 · Law Paper III, Section E · Q9(a).
Source: Jharkhand Civil Judge 2015 Backlog, Law Paper III · Source page · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-066 · Essay / discussion

Elucidate the contributions of Austin and H L A Hart to analytical positivism in jurisprudence.

Subtopic: Austin and H L A Hart

Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains201910 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains · 2019 · Law Paper III, Section E · Q9(a).
Source: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains 2019, Law Paper III, original-question transcription · PDF p. 8 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-070 · Short note

Write a note on: Social solidarity. (The original question required any two of four options.)

Subtopic: Sociological jurisprudence

Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains20195 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains · 2019 · Law Paper III, Section E · Q9(b)(iv).
Source: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains 2019, Law Paper III, original-question transcription · PDF p. 8 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-082 · Short note

Write a brief note on: Theory of laissez-faire. (Original paper: any four options.)

Subtopic: Laissez-faire

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20235 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2023 · Paper III, Jurisprudence section · Q3(e).
Source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I, Paper III 2023 (held 10 December 2023) · Reproduced paper, Q3 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-134 · Short note

Write a brief note on law as the practice of courts and legal realism as described by Salmond.

Subtopic: Legal realism and Salmond

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20225 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2022 · Paper III, Jurisprudence and theory · Q5(c).
Source: Assam Grade I 2022 Paper III original scan (held 11 Dec 2022) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-141 · Essay / discussion

A newly independent nation adopts a constitution drawing heavily on foreign legal systems. Citizens later question the legitimacy of laws imposed by a Western-educated elite. Some argue law must emerge from the people’s traditions; others favour law as an instrument of social transformation. Using Savigny, Bentham and Hart, analyse this tension between cultural expression and social engineering. Which approach better explains constitutional law in post-colonial societies such as India?

Subtopic: Savigny, Bentham, Hart and social engineering

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I202510 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2025 · Paper III, Jurisprudence questions 9–16 · Q9.
Source: Assam Grade I 2025 Paper III original scan (held 29 March 2026) · Original court paper, pp. 2–3 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-143 · Essay / discussion

Savigny argues that law develops from the people’s common consciousness, or Volksgeist, like language rather than legislative whim. Critically examine his theory and assess, with examples, whether codification in India has respected cultural and historical traditions.

Subtopic: Savigny and Volksgeist

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20255 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2025 · Paper III, Jurisprudence questions 9–16 · Q11.
Source: Assam Grade I 2025 Paper III original scan (held 29 March 2026) · Original court paper, p. 3 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-148 · Essay / discussion

Explain H. L. A. Hart’s contributions to legal positivism through his book The Concept of Law.

Subtopic: H. L. A. Hart and positivism

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20255 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2025 · Paper III, Jurisprudence questions 9–16 · Q16.
Source: Assam Grade I 2025 Paper III original scan (held 29 March 2026) · Original court paper, p. 4 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.

Sources of Law and Legislation

19 question occurrences

JLT-007 · Essay / discussion

Discuss theories explaining how custom becomes law, and examine the present position of customary law.

Subtopic: Custom as a source of law

West Bengal Judicial Service202015+5 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2020 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q7.
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2020), original scan · PDF p. 5 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-009 · Short note

Write a short note on: Subordinate legislation.

Subtopic: Delegated and subordinate legislation

West Bengal Judicial Service20205 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2020 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q8(b).
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2020), original scan · PDF p. 5 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-016 · Essay / discussion

Define legislation and distinguish supreme legislation from subordinate legislation.

Subtopic: Legislation and its types

West Bengal Judicial Service202112 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2021 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q3(a).
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2021), original scan · PDF p. 5 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-017 · Essay / discussion

Why is legislation superior to other sources of law?

Subtopic: Legislation compared with other sources

West Bengal Judicial Service20218 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2021 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q3(b).
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2021), original scan · PDF p. 5 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-022 · Essay / discussion

What are the requisites of a valid custom?

Subtopic: Requirements of valid custom

West Bengal Judicial Service202112 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2021 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q7(a).
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2021), original scan · PDF p. 5 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-023 · Essay / discussion

Distinguish custom from prescription.

Subtopic: Custom and prescription

West Bengal Judicial Service20218 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2021 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q7(b).
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2021), original scan · PDF p. 5 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-032 · Short note

Write a short note on: Codification.

Subtopic: Codification

West Bengal Judicial Service20225 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2022 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q4(a).
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2022), original scan · PDF p. 32 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-035 · Short note

Write a short note on: Advantages of legislation over precedent.

Subtopic: Legislation and precedent

West Bengal Judicial Service20225 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2022 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q4(d).
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2022), original scan · PDF p. 32 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-044 · Essay / discussion

Compare legislation with precedent. Which is the superior source of law?

Subtopic: Legislation and precedent

West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional)202020 marksEvidence B
Asked in: West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional) · 2020 · Law Optional Paper I, Group C · Q10(b).
Source: WBCS Law Optional I, paper code ABC(O)LA-I/20 (document header says 2021) · PDF p. 2 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-052 · Essay / discussion

Define custom, explain its importance, and state the requisites of a valid custom.

Subtopic: Custom

West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional)202320 marksEvidence B
Asked in: West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional) · 2023 · Law Optional Paper I, Groups B/C · Q10(a).
Source: WBCS Law Optional I, MWC(O)-L-I/23, reproduction of paper · PDF p. 2 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-057 · Essay / discussion

Discuss the importance of custom as a source of law and the essential ingredients of a valid custom.

Subtopic: Requirements of valid custom

Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains201410 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains · 2014 · Law Paper III, Section E · Q10(b).
Source: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains 2014, Law Paper III, original-question transcription · PDF p. 7 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-083 · Short note

Write a brief note on: Sources of law. (Original paper: any four options.)

Subtopic: Sources of law

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20235 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2023 · Paper III, Jurisprudence section · Q3(f).
Source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I, Paper III 2023 (held 10 December 2023) · Reproduced paper, Q3 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-086 · Essay / discussion

Enumerate the essential requisites of a valid custom.

Subtopic: Custom requirements

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I201410 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2014 · Paper III, Jurisprudence (Group B) · Group B Q3.
Source: Assam Grade I 2014 Paper III original scan · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-107 · Short note

Write a short note on: Custom as a source of law.

Subtopic: Custom

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20195 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2019 · Paper III, Jurisprudence · Jurisprudence Q1(A).
Source: Assam Grade I 2019 Paper III original scan (held 23 June 2019) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-120 · Short note

Write a brief note on: Sources of law.

Subtopic: Sources of law

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I201910 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2019 · Paper III, Jurisprudence (second 2019 cycle) · Jurisprudence Q4(i).
Source: Assam Grade I second 2019 cycle Paper III original scan (held 7 March 2020) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-133 · Short note

Write a brief note on the doctrine of election, having regard to Storr’s jurisprudence.

Subtopic: Doctrine of election

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20225 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2022 · Paper III, Jurisprudence and theory · Q5(b).
Source: Assam Grade I 2022 Paper III original scan (held 11 Dec 2022) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-135 · Short note

Write a brief note on the judicial method of ascertaining or determining sources of law propounded by G. W. Paton.

Subtopic: G. W. Paton and sources of law

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20225 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2022 · Paper III, Jurisprudence and theory · Q5(d).
Source: Assam Grade I 2022 Paper III original scan (held 11 Dec 2022) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-139 · Essay / discussion

Explain the evolution of customary law and its relevance in modern legal systems.

Subtopic: Customary law in modern systems

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20243 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2024 · Paper III, Jurisprudence questions 3–4 · Q4(a).
Source: Assam Grade I 2024 Paper III original scan (held 9 March 2025) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-147 · Essay / discussion

A community follows a centuries-old custom permitting only sons to inherit ancestral property. Women challenge it as discriminatory, while elders defend it as cultural identity. Can a longstanding custom override fundamental rights? Discuss the weight courts should give custom when it conflicts with constitutional values, referring to sources of law.

Subtopic: Custom and constitutional equality

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20255 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2025 · Paper III, Jurisprudence questions 9–16 · Q15.
Source: Assam Grade I 2025 Paper III original scan (held 29 March 2026) · Original court paper, p. 4 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.

Possession, Ownership and Property

9 question occurrences

JLT-005 · Essay / discussion

Critically examine Austin’s definition of ownership as indefinite in use, unrestricted in disposition and unlimited in duration.

Subtopic: Ownership under Austin

West Bengal Judicial Service202020 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2020 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q5.
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2020), original scan · PDF p. 5 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-027 · Short note

Write a short note on: Duplicate possession.

Subtopic: Kinds of possession

West Bengal Judicial Service20215 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2021 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q8(d).
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2021), original scan · PDF p. 6 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-040 · Essay / discussion

Explain the concept of property and discuss its different kinds from a jurisprudential perspective, with examples.

Subtopic: Kinds of property

West Bengal Judicial Service20225+15 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2022 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q8.
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2022), original scan · PDF p. 32 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-053 · Essay / discussion

Explain ownership and discuss its essential elements.

Subtopic: Elements of ownership

West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional)202320 marksEvidence B
Asked in: West Bengal Civil Service (Law Optional) · 2023 · Law Optional Paper I, Groups B/C · Q10(b).
Source: WBCS Law Optional I, MWC(O)-L-I/23, reproduction of paper · PDF p. 2 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-054 · Essay / discussion

Explain possession and ownership, and distinguish the two concepts.

Subtopic: Possession and ownership

Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains201415 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains · 2014 · Law Paper III, Section E · Q9(a).
Source: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains 2014, Law Paper III, original-question transcription · PDF p. 7 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-055 · Problem / application

A drops a gold ring into a canal. B finds it, while A claims it. Decide the competing claims.

Subtopic: Finder and prior owner

Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains20145 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains · 2014 · Law Paper III, Section E · Q9(b).
Source: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains 2014, Law Paper III, original-question transcription · PDF p. 7 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-059 · Essay / discussion

Briefly discuss the kinds of corporeal and incorporeal property.

Subtopic: Corporeal and incorporeal property

Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains201510 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains · 2015 · Law Paper III, Section E · Q8(b).
Source: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains 2015, Law Paper III · Source page · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-071 · Essay / discussion

Explain, with decided cases, the proposition that possession counts for nine points of law while ownership counts for one.

Subtopic: Possession and ownership

Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains201910 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains · 2019 · Law Paper III, Section E · Q10(a).
Source: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains 2019, Law Paper III, original-question transcription · PDF p. 8 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-109 · Short note

Write a short note on: Possession and ownership.

Subtopic: Possession and ownership

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20195 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2019 · Paper III, Jurisprudence · Jurisprudence Q1(C).
Source: Assam Grade I 2019 Paper III original scan (held 23 June 2019) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.

Justice and Punishment

20 question occurrences

JLT-014 · Essay / discussion

What are the ends of criminal justice? Substantiate your response with theories of criminal justice.

Subtopic: Ends of criminal justice

West Bengal Judicial Service202115 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2021 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q2(a).
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2021), original scan · PDF p. 5 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-015 · Essay / discussion

What, in your view, should be the ideal form of criminal justice?

Subtopic: Ideal form of criminal justice

West Bengal Judicial Service20215 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2021 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q2(b).
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2021), original scan · PDF p. 5 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-031 · Essay / discussion

Critically evaluate theories of punishment and state, with reasons, which theory you prefer.

Subtopic: Theories of punishment

West Bengal Judicial Service202215+5 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2022 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q3.
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2022), original scan · PDF p. 32 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-061 · Essay / discussion

Define the administration of justice and discuss its necessity and the different theories of criminal justice administration.

Subtopic: Administration and theories of justice

Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains201510 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains · 2015 · Law Paper III, Section E · Q9(b).
Source: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains 2015, Law Paper III · Source page · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-069 · Short note

Write a note on: Equity, justice and good conscience. (The original question required any two of four options.)

Subtopic: Equity and justice

Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains20195 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains · 2019 · Law Paper III, Section E · Q9(b)(iii).
Source: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains 2019, Law Paper III, original-question transcription · PDF p. 8 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-072 · Essay / discussion

Discuss the importance, advantages and disadvantages of retaining capital punishment, in light of the Supreme Court’s views.

Subtopic: Death penalty

Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains201910 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains · 2019 · Law Paper III, Section E · Q10(b).
Source: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains 2019, Law Paper III, original-question transcription · PDF p. 8 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-074 · Short note

Write a brief note on: Mens rea and actus reus. (Original paper: any four options.)

Subtopic: Criminal responsibility

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20215 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2021 · Paper III, Jurisprudence section · Q3(b).
Source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I, Paper III 2021 cycle (held 27 February 2022) · Reproduced paper, Q3 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-075 · Short note

Write a brief note on: Defamation as an offence and tort. (Original paper: any four options.)

Subtopic: Overlap of tort and crime

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20215 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2021 · Paper III, Jurisprudence section · Q3(c).
Source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I, Paper III 2021 cycle (held 27 February 2022) · Reproduced paper, Q3 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-077 · Short note

Write a brief note on: Presumption against the accused in certain offences. (Original paper: any four options.)

Subtopic: Presumptions

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20215 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2021 · Paper III, Jurisprudence section · Q3(e).
Source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I, Paper III 2021 cycle (held 27 February 2022) · Reproduced paper, Q3 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-084 · Essay / discussion

Explain the maxim that equity applies when strict rules cause hardship.

Subtopic: Equity

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I201410 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2014 · Paper III, Jurisprudence (Group B) · Group B Q1.
Source: Assam Grade I 2014 Paper III original scan · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-091 · Essay / discussion

Explain the doctrine or concept of mens rea.

Subtopic: Mens rea

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I201510 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2015 · Paper III, Jurisprudence · Q2(iii).
Source: Assam Grade I 2015 Paper III original scan · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-095 · Short answer

What is negligence? Briefly indicate the theories of negligence.

Subtopic: Negligence theory

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20175 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2017 · Paper III, Jurisprudence · Jurisprudence Q4.
Source: Assam Grade I 2017 Paper III original scan (held 7 Jan 2018) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-097 · Short answer

Write a short note on theories of punishment.

Subtopic: Theories of punishment

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20175 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2017 · Paper III, Jurisprudence · Jurisprudence Q6.
Source: Assam Grade I 2017 Paper III original scan (held 7 Jan 2018) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-113 · Essay / discussion

Explain civil justice and criminal justice, distinguish between them, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of justice administered according to law.

Subtopic: Civil and criminal justice

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE promotion)201910 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE promotion) · 2019 · Paper III, Jurisprudence · Jurisprudence Q1.
Source: Assam Grade I 2019 LDCE Paper III original scan (held 21 July 2019) · Original court paper, pp. 1–2 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-114 · Essay / discussion

Discuss the purpose of capital punishment, presenting arguments for and against it.

Subtopic: Capital punishment

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE promotion)201910 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE promotion) · 2019 · Paper III, Jurisprudence · Jurisprudence Q2.
Source: Assam Grade I 2019 LDCE Paper III original scan (held 21 July 2019) · Original court paper, p. 2 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-121 · Short note

Write a brief note on: Codification of tortious liability.

Subtopic: Codification of tortious liability

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I201910 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2019 · Paper III, Jurisprudence (second 2019 cycle) · Jurisprudence Q4(ii).
Source: Assam Grade I second 2019 cycle Paper III original scan (held 7 March 2020) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-128 · Short note

Write a brief note on double jeopardy with reference to the Constitution and other statutory provisions.

Subtopic: Double jeopardy

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE promotion)202110 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE promotion) · 2021 · Paper III, Jurisprudence · Jurisprudence Q7(i).
Source: Assam Grade I 2021 LDCE Paper III original paper reproduction (held 25 July 2021) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-130 · Short note

Write a brief note on sentencing in criminal jurisprudence.

Subtopic: Sentencing

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE promotion)202110 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE promotion) · 2021 · Paper III, Jurisprudence · Jurisprudence Q7(iii).
Source: Assam Grade I 2021 LDCE Paper III original paper reproduction (held 25 July 2021) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-137 · Essay / discussion

Compare retributive, deterrent, reformative and preventive theories of punishment.

Subtopic: Four theories of punishment

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20245 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2024 · Paper III, Jurisprudence questions 3–4 · Q3(b).
Source: Assam Grade I 2024 Paper III original scan (held 9 March 2025) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-142 · Essay / discussion

A country proposes replacing lower-court judges with AI systems promising consistent application of legal rules without bias, emotion or error. Supporters expect less corruption and quicker justice. Critics argue that justice requires empathy, discretion and attention to individual circumstances. Using Hart’s theory of judicial discretion, Dworkin’s principles and Fuller’s inner morality of law, analyse whether AI can truly do justice. Which adjudicative elements, if any, require human judgment?

Subtopic: AI judges and human adjudication

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I202510 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2025 · Paper III, Jurisprudence questions 9–16 · Q10.
Source: Assam Grade I 2025 Paper III original scan (held 29 March 2026) · Original court paper, p. 3 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.

Precedent and Judicial Reasoning

20 question occurrences

JLT-004 · Essay / discussion

Discuss the nature of precedent and the circumstances that destroy or weaken its binding force.

Subtopic: Binding force of precedent

West Bengal Judicial Service20205+15 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2020 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q4.
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2020), original scan · PDF p. 5 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-011 · Short note

Write a short note on: Decisions reached per incuriam.

Subtopic: Per incuriam

West Bengal Judicial Service20205 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2020 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q8(d).
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2020), original scan · PDF p. 5 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-026 · Short note

Write a short note on: Obiter dictum.

Subtopic: Obiter dicta

West Bengal Judicial Service20215 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2021 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q8(c).
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2021), original scan · PDF p. 6 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-033 · Short note

Write a short note on: Ratio decidendi.

Subtopic: Ratio decidendi

West Bengal Judicial Service20225 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2022 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q4(b).
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2022), original scan · PDF p. 32 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-034 · Short note

Write a short note on: Obiter dictum.

Subtopic: Obiter dicta

West Bengal Judicial Service20225 marksEvidence A
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service · 2022 · Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation · Q4(c).
Source: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2022), original scan · PDF p. 32 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-067 · Short note

Write a note on: Judicial precedent. (The original question required any two of four options.)

Subtopic: Nature of precedent

Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains20195 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains · 2019 · Law Paper III, Section E · Q9(b)(i).
Source: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains 2019, Law Paper III, original-question transcription · PDF p. 8 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-068 · Short note

Write a note on: Obiter dicta. (The original question required any two of four options.)

Subtopic: Obiter dicta

Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains20195 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains · 2019 · Law Paper III, Section E · Q9(b)(ii).
Source: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains 2019, Law Paper III, original-question transcription · PDF p. 8 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-076 · Short note

Write a brief note on: Law of precedents with reference to constitutional provisions. (Original paper: any four options.)

Subtopic: Constitutional basis of precedents

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20215 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2021 · Paper III, Jurisprudence section · Q3(d).
Source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I, Paper III 2021 cycle (held 27 February 2022) · Reproduced paper, Q3 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-079 · Short note

Write a brief note on: Ratio decidendi and obiter dicta. (Original paper: any four options.)

Subtopic: Ratio and obiter

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20235 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2023 · Paper III, Jurisprudence section · Q3(b).
Source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I, Paper III 2023 (held 10 December 2023) · Reproduced paper, Q3 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-081 · Short note

Write a brief note on: Law of precedent. (Original paper: any four options.)

Subtopic: Nature of precedent

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20235 marksEvidence B
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2023 · Paper III, Jurisprudence section · Q3(d).
Source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I, Paper III 2023 (held 10 December 2023) · Reproduced paper, Q3 · Source-attributed reproduction.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-089 · Essay / discussion

Explain the doctrine or concept of stare decisis.

Subtopic: Stare decisis

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I201510 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2015 · Paper III, Jurisprudence · Q2(i).
Source: Assam Grade I 2015 Paper III original scan · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-093 · Short answer

Explain stare decisis and ratio decidendi.

Subtopic: Stare decisis and ratio decidendi

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20175 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2017 · Paper III, Jurisprudence · Jurisprudence Q2.
Source: Assam Grade I 2017 Paper III original scan (held 7 Jan 2018) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-094 · Short answer

Explain decisions rendered per incuriam and sub silentio, with illustrations.

Subtopic: Per incuriam and sub silentio

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20175 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2017 · Paper III, Jurisprudence · Jurisprudence Q3.
Source: Assam Grade I 2017 Paper III original scan (held 7 Jan 2018) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-102 · Essay / discussion

Discuss the theory of precedents.

Subtopic: Theory of precedents

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I201810 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2018 · Paper III, Jurisprudence · Jurisprudence Q4.
Source: Assam Grade I 2018 Paper III original scan (held 25 Nov 2018) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-104 · Essay / discussion

Explain the doctrines of stare decisis, ratio decidendi and obiter dicta.

Subtopic: Stare decisis, ratio and obiter

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE promotion)201810 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE promotion) · 2018 · Paper III, Jurisprudence · Jurisprudence Q2.
Source: Assam Grade I 2018 LDCE Paper III original scan · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-108 · Short note

Write a short note on: Ratio decidendi.

Subtopic: Ratio decidendi

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20195 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2019 · Paper III, Jurisprudence · Jurisprudence Q1(B).
Source: Assam Grade I 2019 Paper III original scan (held 23 June 2019) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-124 · Short note

Write a note on: the doctrine of res judicata, relevant statutory provisions, its applicability and objective.

Subtopic: Res judicata

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE promotion)202010 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE promotion) · 2020 · Paper III, Jurisprudence · Jurisprudence Q7(i).
Source: Assam Grade I 2020 LDCE Paper III original scan (held 11 Oct 2020) · Original court paper, p. 2 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-131 · Short note

Explain the doctrine of stare decisis in the context of constitutional provisions and per incuriam.

Subtopic: Stare decisis and per incuriam

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE promotion)202110 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE promotion) · 2021 · Paper III, Jurisprudence · Jurisprudence Q7(iv).
Source: Assam Grade I 2021 LDCE Paper III original paper reproduction (held 25 July 2021) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-138 · Essay / discussion

Analyse the role of judicial precedents in legal interpretation and judicial decision-making.

Subtopic: Precedent in interpretation

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20245 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2024 · Paper III, Jurisprudence questions 3–4 · Q3(c).
Source: Assam Grade I 2024 Paper III original scan (held 9 March 2025) · Original court paper, p. 1 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.
JLT-145 · Essay / discussion

The Supreme Court decides a tax provision is constitutional in 1990. A different Bench adopts a new constitutional interpretation in an unrelated case in 2005, raising doubts about the earlier ruling. A similar tax issue arises in 2023. Discuss which authority should guide the court, referring to precedent, judicial discretion and Dworkin’s requirement of coherent legal interpretation.

Subtopic: Conflicting precedents and Dworkin

Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I20255 marksEvidence A
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I · 2025 · Paper III, Jurisprudence questions 9–16 · Q13.
Source: Assam Grade I 2025 Paper III original scan (held 29 March 2026) · Original court paper, pp. 3–4 · Original paper scan.
Faithful editorial rendering of verified question; original language: English.

Exam papers and question sources

  1. WBJS20: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2020), original scan · Evidence grade A; 11 entries.
  2. WBJS21: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2021), original scan · Evidence grade A; 16 entries.
  3. WBJS22: WBJS Jurisprudence & Principles of Legislation (2022), original scan · Evidence grade A; 13 entries.
  4. WBCS20: WBCS Law Optional I, paper code ABC(O)LA-I/20 (document header says 2021) · Evidence grade B; 4 entries.
  5. WBCS22: WBCS Law Optional I, paper code CSM(O)-L-I/22 (attributed reproduction) · Evidence grade B; 4 entries.
  6. WBCS23: WBCS Law Optional I, MWC(O)-L-I/23, reproduction of paper · Evidence grade B; 5 entries.
  7. JH14: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains 2014, Law Paper III, original-question transcription · Evidence grade B; 4 entries.
  8. JH15: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains 2015, Law Paper III · Evidence grade B; 4 entries.
  9. JH15B: Jharkhand Civil Judge 2015 Backlog, Law Paper III · Evidence grade B; 4 entries.
  10. JH19: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains 2019, Law Paper III, original-question transcription · Evidence grade B; 7 entries.
  11. AS21: Assam Judicial Service Grade I, Paper III 2021 cycle (held 27 February 2022) · Evidence grade B; 5 entries.
  12. AS14: Assam Grade I 2014 Paper III original scan · Evidence grade A; 5 entries.
  13. AS15: Assam Grade I 2015 Paper III original scan · Evidence grade A; 3 entries.
  14. AS17: Assam Grade I 2017 Paper III original scan (held 7 Jan 2018) · Evidence grade A; 6 entries.
  15. AS18: Assam Grade I 2018 Paper III original scan (held 25 Nov 2018) · Evidence grade A; 5 entries.
  16. AS18LD: Assam Grade I 2018 LDCE Paper III original scan · Evidence grade A; 4 entries.
  17. AS19: Assam Grade I 2019 Paper III original scan (held 23 June 2019) · Evidence grade A; 6 entries.
  18. AS19LD: Assam Grade I 2019 LDCE Paper III original scan (held 21 July 2019) · Evidence grade A; 7 entries.
  19. AS19II: Assam Grade I second 2019 cycle Paper III original scan (held 7 March 2020) · Evidence grade A; 4 entries.
  20. AS20LD: Assam Grade I 2020 LDCE Paper III original scan (held 11 Oct 2020) · Evidence grade A; 4 entries.
  21. AS21LD: Assam Grade I 2021 LDCE Paper III original paper reproduction (held 25 July 2021) · Evidence grade A; 4 entries.
  22. AS22: Assam Grade I 2022 Paper III original scan (held 11 Dec 2022) · Evidence grade A; 4 entries.
  23. AS24: Assam Grade I 2024 Paper III original scan (held 9 March 2025) · Evidence grade A; 5 entries.
  24. AS25: Assam Grade I 2025 Paper III original scan (held 29 March 2026) · Evidence grade A; 8 entries.
  25. AS23: Assam Judicial Service Grade I, Paper III 2023 (held 10 December 2023) · Evidence grade B; 6 entries.

Nationwide coverage audit and limitations

Inventory: 148 individually displayed question occurrences; 146 distinct normalised prompts; 25 distinct examined papers; 6 named examination streams, across West Bengal, Jharkhand and Assam; years 2014–2025.

Evidence: Grade A: 105 entries supported by identifiable original examination paper scans hosted on a third-party site. Grade B: 43 entries supported by attributed exam-paper reproductions. Grade C leads are excluded.

Examination-year caveat: WBCS Law Optional Paper I has paper code ending /20, while its reproduced document header reads 2021. It is indexed here under the 2020 examination cycle. Assam’s 2021 direct-recruitment Grade-I paper was held in 2022; its 2025 cycle was held in March 2026. Question wording is editorially reformulated, with the source linked for original text.

Known gaps: This is not a complete nationwide census. Original papers from most other states and Union Territories, UPSC papers containing possible cross-topic theory questions, regional-language scans and other 2024–2026 completed cycles were not exhaustively authenticated. WBJS 2018 was located, but its accessible compilation did not contain a verifiable Jurisprudence paper. Unverified claims are excluded rather than guessed.

Publisher check: Verify clickable sources and original question wording again before publishing or claiming exhaustive coverage. External translation may not be reliable for legal terminology.

LawFoyer · lawfoyer.in · Jurisprudence mains previous year questions
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Prakhar Singh