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Ancient Legal Systems: A Source of Inspiration for Contemporary Law

Description: Ancient Legal Systems: A Source of Inspiration for Contemporary Law
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: ancient law legal history comparative law
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Which ancient legal system is known for its emphasis on equity and fairness?

  1. Roman Law

  2. Greek Law

  3. Babylonian Law

  4. Egyptian Law


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Roman Law is renowned for its focus on equity and fairness, as exemplified by the principle of 'ius aequum', which sought to ensure just outcomes in legal disputes.

The Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest known legal codes, originated in which ancient civilization?

  1. Mesopotamia

  2. Egypt

  3. Greece

  4. India


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Code of Hammurabi, dating back to the 18th century BCE, is an iconic legal code from ancient Mesopotamia, demonstrating the advanced legal thinking of that civilization.

Which ancient legal system placed a strong emphasis on written contracts and commercial transactions?

  1. Roman Law

  2. Greek Law

  3. Babylonian Law

  4. Chinese Law


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Babylonian Law, particularly during the reign of King Hammurabi, placed great importance on written contracts and commercial transactions, reflecting the vibrant trading activities in ancient Mesopotamia.

The concept of 'lex talionis', or 'an eye for an eye', is most closely associated with which ancient legal system?

  1. Roman Law

  2. Greek Law

  3. Babylonian Law

  4. Hebrew Law


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The principle of 'lex talionis' is prominently found in Hebrew Law, as reflected in passages from the Old Testament, emphasizing the idea of proportionate retribution in criminal justice.

Which ancient legal system developed the concept of 'stare decisis', or the principle of following precedent?

  1. Roman Law

  2. Greek Law

  3. Babylonian Law

  4. Chinese Law


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Roman Law is credited with establishing the principle of 'stare decisis', where judges are bound to follow the rulings of previous courts in similar cases, ensuring consistency and predictability in legal outcomes.

The ancient legal system of Greece is known for its emphasis on:

  1. Natural Law

  2. Divine Law

  3. Customary Law

  4. Written Law


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ancient Greek legal thought placed great importance on the concept of 'Natural Law', which was believed to be inherent and universal, transcending human-made laws and customs.

Which ancient legal system developed the concept of 'res judicata', or the principle that a matter once adjudicated cannot be tried again?

  1. Roman Law

  2. Greek Law

  3. Babylonian Law

  4. Indian Law


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Roman Law introduced the principle of 'res judicata', which prevents the relitigation of a case that has already been decided by a competent court.

The ancient legal system of India, known as Dharmaśāstra, is primarily based on:

  1. Religious Texts

  2. Customary Practices

  3. Royal Decrees

  4. Legal Codes


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Dharmaśāstra, the ancient legal system of India, draws its principles and rules primarily from religious texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, and Dharmaśāstras.

Which ancient legal system is known for its emphasis on mediation and conciliation as methods of dispute resolution?

  1. Chinese Law

  2. Japanese Law

  3. Korean Law

  4. Vietnamese Law


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ancient Chinese Law placed a strong emphasis on mediation and conciliation as means of resolving disputes, aiming to maintain harmony and social order.

The concept of 'actus reus', or the physical act that constitutes a crime, originated in which ancient legal system?

  1. Roman Law

  2. Greek Law

  3. Babylonian Law

  4. Egyptian Law


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Roman Law introduced the concept of 'actus reus', distinguishing between the physical act and the mental state (mens rea) required for criminal liability.

Which ancient legal system developed the concept of 'habeas corpus', which protects individuals from unlawful detention?

  1. Roman Law

  2. Greek Law

  3. English Law

  4. Babylonian Law


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The concept of 'habeas corpus' originated in English Law, ensuring that individuals cannot be detained without a valid legal basis and must be brought before a court to determine the legality of their detention.

The ancient legal system of Japan, known as Ritsuryō, was heavily influenced by:

  1. Chinese Law

  2. Korean Law

  3. Vietnamese Law

  4. Indian Law


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ritsuryō, the ancient legal system of Japan, drew significant inspiration from Chinese Law, particularly the Tang Dynasty legal code, reflecting the cultural and political ties between the two civilizations.

Which ancient legal system is known for its emphasis on the concept of 'karma' and the principle of non-violence?

  1. Indian Law

  2. Chinese Law

  3. Japanese Law

  4. Korean Law


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ancient Indian Law, particularly Dharmaśāstra, places great importance on the concept of 'karma' and the principle of non-violence (ahimsa), emphasizing the moral and ethical dimensions of legal conduct.

The ancient legal system of Korea, known as Gyeongguk daejeon, was influenced by:

  1. Chinese Law

  2. Japanese Law

  3. Mongolian Law

  4. Indian Law


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Gyeongguk daejeon, the ancient legal code of Korea, was heavily influenced by Chinese Law, particularly the Tang Dynasty legal code, reflecting the cultural and political connections between the two civilizations.

Which ancient legal system developed the concept of 'strict liability', where individuals are held responsible for harm caused even if they did not intend to cause it?

  1. Roman Law

  2. Greek Law

  3. Babylonian Law

  4. Hebrew Law


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Babylonian Law introduced the concept of 'strict liability', holding individuals accountable for harm caused regardless of their intent, reflecting the emphasis on objective consequences rather than subjective mental states.

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