LAW GAT PAST PAPER 03 OCTOBER 2021

The Law Graduate Assessment Test (Law GAT) took place on 3rd October 2021, conducted by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. This standardized test evaluates the knowledge and aptitude of law graduates aspiring to join the legal profession or pursue further studies in law. The Law GAT syllabus covered a wide range of subjects, contributing to a strong foundation in law and ethics. In this post, we provide a comprehensive overview of the topics covered in the Law GAT paper held on 03 October 2021.

Quiz Instructions:

• Each test consists of multiple-choice questions.
• The answers to the questions will be randomly generated each time the test is initiated.
• To achieve high marks, it is recommended to practice each quiz test at least 3 times.
• Upon completion of the test, you will receive your test score and rating.
• All quizzes are interconnected, and a new quiz link will be provided in the quiz result section.
• If you come across any answers that appear incorrect to you during the quizzes, simply leave a comment below in the comment section with the question number.
• This will enable us to update the answers in the quiz section accordingly.

Top 10 important Quiz from this TEST

1. Constitutional History of Pakistan: The first section of the Law GAT paper focused on Pakistan’s constitutional history. It delved into landmark cases that played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s constitution and legal system.

Maulvi Tamiz-ud-Din Khan vs. Governor General of Pakistan: This case explored the significance of the Objective Resolution and its impact on Pakistan’s constitutional framework. The court’s decision laid the foundation for including the Objectives Resolution in the preamble of the Constitution of Pakistan in 1956. The incorporation of the Objectives Resolution reflects the state’s commitment to the principles of democracy, equality, and social justice.

Miss Asma Jilani vs Government of Pakistan: This case challenged the suspension of fundamental rights during Martial Law and upheld the Constitution’s supremacy. The court’s ruling was instrumental in reaffirming that even during Martial Law, the Constitution remains the supreme law of the land, and fundamental rights cannot be arbitrarily suspended. It emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights, even in times of political uncertainty.

Begum Nusrat Bhutto vs. Chief of Army Staff: This case involved the legality of Martial Law and its implications for constitutional governance. Begum Nusrat Bhutto, the wife of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, filed a constitutional petition in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, challenging the detention of her husband and ten other leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party during the military regime. The court’s decision in this case addressed the issue of military involvement in politics and its impact on democratic institutions. It reiterated the importance of civilian supremacy and the adherence to constitutional principles in governing the nation.

2. Constitution of Pakistan, 1973: The second section of the Law GAT syllabus covered the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973. Aspirants were tested on their understanding of citizens’ fundamental rights, including life, liberty, freedom of speech, and equality before the law. The Constitution also outlines the powers and composition of the Parliament and the structure of the judiciary, including the Supreme Court and High Courts.

Fundamental Rights: The Constitution guarantees several fundamental rights to the citizens of Pakistan, such as the right to life, liberty, and security of person (Article 9), freedom of speech and expression (Article 19), and equality before the law (Article 25). These fundamental rights form the bedrock of individual liberties and ensure the protection of citizens’ dignity and well-being.

Parliament: Aspirants needed to understand the composition and functioning of Pakistan’s legislative body, the Parliament. The Parliament consists of two houses: the National Assembly and the Senate. The National Assembly is the lower house, representing the people of Pakistan, while the Senate is the upper house, representing the provinces and territories. The Parliament is responsible for enacting laws, approving the national budget, and scrutinizing the government’s actions.

The Judicature: Another significant aspect of the Constitution covered in the Law GAT syllabus was the establishment and organization of the judiciary. The judiciary in Pakistan is headed by the Supreme Court, which is the highest court of appeal. It is followed by the High Courts at the provincial level. The Constitution lays down the jurisdiction and powers of these courts, ensuring the administration of justice throughout the country.

3. International Law: This section provided an overview of international law, with a specific focus on the United Nations Charter, the foundational document for the United Nations. Aspirants needed to understand the principles, purposes, and structure of the UN in promoting international peace and security.

The United Nations Charter: The United Nations Charter is a significant international treaty signed on 26th June 1945 by 50 countries, including Pakistan. The Charter outlines the principles and functions of the UN and establishes its main organs, such as the General Assembly, Security Council, International Court of Justice, and Secretariat. The UN Charter reflects the commitment of member states to the principles of peace, human rights, and international cooperation.

International Court of Justice (ICJ): The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Aspirants needed to familiarize themselves with the ICJ’s role in settling disputes between states and providing advisory opinions on legal matters referred to it by UN organs and specialized agencies. The ICJ plays a vital role in maintaining international peace and security and upholding the rule of law in the international community.

4. Jurisprudence: Jurisprudence, the philosophy of law, was an essential subject in the Law GAT syllabus. Aspirants were introduced to various legal theories and principles through the works of Sir John Salmond, a prominent legal scholar. Understanding different schools of jurisprudence is essential for any legal professional as it provides a theoretical framework for interpreting and applying the law.

English Jurisprudence: Aspirants studied English jurisprudence through the works of Sir John Salmond, a leading figure in the field. His writings on jurisprudence are considered foundational and have greatly influenced legal thinking in common law jurisdictions, including Pakistan. Topics covered include the nature of law, sources of law, and the concept of legal rights and duties.

Islamic Jurisprudence: Islamic jurisprudence, also known as Islamic law or Sharia, is an integral part of Pakistan’s legal system. Aspirants studied Islamic jurisprudence through the works of Prof Imran Ahsan Khan Nyazee, an eminent Islamic jurist. Topics included the sources of Islamic law, the classification of legal principles, and the principles of Islamic jurisprudence.

5. Civil Procedure Code (CPC): The Civil Procedure Code (CPC), governing civil proceedings in Pakistan, was a crucial subject in the Law GAT syllabus. This section covered various sections and orders related to civil cases. Aspirants needed to understand the procedural aspects of civil litigation, including the filing of suits, the issuance of summons, and the various stages of trial.

Key Sections and Orders: Some key sections of the CPC included Sections 12 (Return of plaint), 47 (Execution of decrees), 104 (Appeal from orders), and 151 (Inherent powers of the court). Understanding these sections is essential for legal practitioners involved in civil litigation.

6. Criminal Law: Candidates encountered criminal law, including the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The PPC defines criminal offenses and their punishments, while the CrPC outlines procedures in criminal cases.

Key Chapters: Aspirants needed a sound knowledge of different chapters of the PPC, including General Explanations and Definitions, Offenses Affecting the Human Body, Offenses against Property, and General Exceptions. They also needed to be familiar with the CrPC chapters dealing with arrest, bail, information to the police, complaints to the magistrate, and appeals.

7. Law of Evidence: This section focused on the Law of Evidence, a critical aspect of legal proceedings. Aspirants were tested on their knowledge of different types of evidence, including oral, documentary, and expert testimony, and the rules governing their presentation in court.

Admissibility of Evidence: Aspirants needed to understand the rules governing the admissibility of evidence in court. For instance, they should be familiar with the concept of relevancy, which determines whether evidence is related to the facts in issue, and the rules of hearsay, which deal with the admission of out-of-court statements as evidence.

8. Professional Ethics: Professional ethics and conduct were emphasized in the Law GAT syllabus. This section covered the Canons of Professional Conduct and Etiquette of Advocates and the Pakistan Legal Practitioners & Bar Councils Rules, 1976. Aspiring legal professionals needed to understand their ethical responsibilities and the standards of conduct expected as advocates.

Duty of Advocates: The Canons of Professional Conduct and Etiquette of Advocates lay down the ethical duties and responsibilities of legal practitioners. Advocates are expected to uphold the dignity of the legal profession, maintain client confidentiality, and act in the best interests of their clients while abiding by the principles of honesty and integrity.

Conclusion: The Law GAT paper conducted on 3rd October 2021 was a comprehensive assessment of legal knowledge and aptitude. Aspirants encountered various topics, including constitutional history, international law, civil and criminal procedures, jurisprudence, and professional ethics. The test aimed to ensure future legal professionals in Pakistan possess a strong foundation in law and ethics, preparing them for successful careers in the legal field. By comprehensively understanding the syllabus and dedicating sufficient time to prepare for each subject, aspirants could achieve excellent results and contribute effectively to the legal system in Pakistan.