The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is scheduled to be held on December 3, 2023.The candidates are preparing for the CLAT 2024 exam by gathering resources, creating study plans, and practicing.

The CLAT Legal Reasoning section is the most important section, and it is designed to assess an aspirant’s ability to find and understand legal information, and to use that information to solve legal problems. 

If you are appearing for the CLAT 2024 exam and are anxious regarding CLAT Legal Reasoning questions and the techniques to be followed, then hold on! No need to worry! This blog is for you. Here, we will share with you tips and tricks to be followed while preparing for and attempting the section legal reasoning for CLAT 2024.

What is Legal Reasoning for CLAT?

Legal Reasoning is an important section in CLAT, designed to assess a candidate’s ability to understand, analyze, and apply legal principles and rules.

Here’s what you can expect in the Legal Reasoning section for CLAT:

• Passage-Based Questions: In this section, you’ll encounter passages or scenarios that describe a legal situation, case, or problem. These passages may contain facts, legal principles, and arguments.

• Multiple-Choice Questions: Legal Reasoning questions in CLAT UG are multiple-choice questions (MCQs), where you choose the best answer among the given options.

• Legal Vocabulary: Be prepared to encounter legal terminology and concepts, so having a good grasp of basic legal vocabulary and principles is essential.

• Study Legal Principles: Develop a solid foundation in fundamental legal principles, including those related to contract law, tort law, criminal law, and constitutional law.

• Practice Critical Thinking: Sharpen your critical thinking skills to assess the validity of arguments and apply logic to legal scenarios.

• Practice with Mock Tests: Solve previous year’s CLAT question papers and participate in CLAT mock tests to get a feel for the types of questions you’ll encounter in this section.

• Time Management: Manage your time wisely during the exam to ensure you have enough time to read and answer all the questions.

• Stay Updated: Stay informed about current legal developments and changes in laws, especially in India, as this knowledge can be beneficial in answering contemporary legal questions.

Also Read: CLAT Previous Year Question Papers PDF (2019 to 2023)

CLAT Legal Reasoning Techniques

The Consortium of NLU has changed the pattern of CLAT 2024. The total number of questions has been reduced from 150 to 120, and approximately 32 questions are expected in the logical reasoning section. 

The Clat Legal Reasoning will consist of a passage of 450 words each. The aspirants will not need to have prior knowledge of the law to attempt legal reasoning questions for CLAT. For the legal reasoning section, students will be given hypothetical situations and will have to decide the case by applying the legal knowledge provided to them in the passage.

The passages may relate to fact situations or scenarios involving legal matters, public policy questions, or moral philosophical inquiries. If aspirants are adept with a general awareness of contemporary legal and moral issues, they can apply general principles or propositions to the given fact scenarios better. 

The questions of each passage will test the aspirant’s ability to 

(i) Identify and infer the rules and principles set out in the passage;

(ii) Apply such rules and principles to various fact situations; and

(iii) Understand how changes to the rules or principles may alter their application to various fact situations.

Here are some of the CLAT legal reasoning techniques that will be helpful to the aspirants:

1. Read the passage carefully and with focus. It is not just a comprehension but also an application
2. Pay attention to minute details in the passage
3. Understand the concept of the passage
4. While attempting questions, assume yourself to be a judge
5. Apply reasoning as a reasonable person. Do not be emotional while attempting questions.
6. Increase your reading speed
7. Mark your answers in OMR sheets correctly
8. Since, every incorrect answer carries a negative mark (-0.25), avoid negative marking as much as possible
9. Focus on improving your language skills
10. Revise your study materials again and again
11.  Read newspapers and law magazines to improve legal perspective on various issues
12. Attempt as many mocks as possible to know your strengths and work on your weaknesses

Also Read: CLAT GK Questions With Answers (With Free PDF)

Laws That Can Be Asked in CLAT Legal Reasoning 

1. Basic Laws 

Torts, Contract, Constitution of India, Criminal Law. Try to remember important Articles of the Constitution of India. Sections from various Acts are not required to be remembered.

2. Current Laws 

Aspirants must know recent amendments made in the Acts, the introduction of new laws in the nation, and their salient features.

3. Miscellaneous Laws 

Basic understanding of laws such as the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.P.C), Domestic Violence Act, Environmental laws, Company law, Information Technology Act, etc.

4. Important Judgments 

Aspirants must be aware of the past and current important judgments. 

Types of Legal Reasoning questions in CLAT

CLAT includes various types of Legal Reasoning questions to assess a candidate’s understanding of legal principles and their ability to apply them to specific scenarios. Here are some common types of questions you may encounter in CLAT:

Principle-Fact Questions:

These questions present a legal principle or rule followed by a factual scenario. Candidates are required to determine the applicability of the principle to the facts and reach a conclusion. This often involves recognizing the legal issue and analyzing whether the given principle supports or contradicts the facts.

Principle-Argument Questions:

In this type of question, a legal principle is provided along with several arguments for or against it. Candidates must evaluate these arguments and decide which ones are logically sound based on the provided principle.

Legal Problem-Solving Questions:

These questions describe a legal issue or problem and may ask candidates to provide a solution, make a legal judgment, or predict the outcome of a case based on the information given in the passage.

Legal Vocabulary Questions:

These questions test your knowledge of legal terminology and concepts. Candidates may be asked to define legal terms, identify the correct use of legal language, or recognize synonyms or antonyms related to legal terms.

Sample Legal Reasoning Questions for CLAT 2024

To enhance understanding of legal reasoning, aspirants can refer to the sample of CLAT legal reasoning questions for 2024

Sample Question- 1

The Supreme Court in a recent case held that a Magistrate can dismiss a defamation complaint by applying the exceptions under section 499 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 even before even summoning the accused. In the matter at hand, a tender was floated by the Airports Authority of India for the supply of Airfield Crash Fire Tenders at airports across the country. The appellant, in this case, a Germany-based manufacturer of fire safety equipment, had applied for the same. However, its bid was rejected, and the tender was awarded to a company named Rosenbauer International. The appellant then complained to different authorities, including the Minister of Civil Aviation, the Chairman of AAI, etc, that there were irregularities in the tender process indicating favouritism. Based on these letters, the complainant, the Indian associate of Rosenbauer International, lodged a complaint before the Trial Court alleging criminal defamation. The Trial Court was of the opinion that a prima facie case was made out against the Appellant and issued summons. This summoning order was challenged by the Appellant under Section 482 CrPC before the High Court, which was dismissed. Against this order of dismissal, the Appellant approached the Apex Court. The Apex Court observed that at the stage of issuing process, the Magistrate must form his opinion based on the allegations in the complaint and other material (obtained through the process referred to in section 200/section 202) as to whether ‘sufficient ground for proceeding’ exists, which is distinct from ‘sufficient ground for conviction’. The latter is for determination at the time of trial and not at the stage when the process is issued. The Apex Court observed that ordinarily, it would be difficult to form an opinion that an exception under Section 499 is attracted at the time of issuing notice since neither a complaint for defamation is likely to be drafted with contents, nor are statements likely to be made on oath and evidence adduced. However, the Court added that there is nothing that expressly mandates the Magistrate to consider whether any of the Exceptions to section 499, IPC is attracted at this juncture nor is there a bar against it. The  Apex Court further said that under Section 482 CrPC, the High Courts cannot enlarge the scope of inquiry if the accused relies on materials that were not there before the Magistrate. However, the Apex Court clarified that this does not undermine the High Court’s powers under section 482, Cr. PC and that its inherent power is always available to render real and substantial justice. In light of the above legal observations and on merits, the Apex Court dismissed the appeal preferred by the Appellant. 

Q 1. A blogger, Aman, writes a post alleging that a company, B, is selling defective products. The post is based on information that A received from a customer of B. B files a defamation suit against Aman. Can Aman rely on the exception of fair comment under Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860?

(a) Yes, because Aman is entitled to express his opinion on the quality of B’s products. 

(b) Yes, because Aman’s post is based on information that he received from a customer of B. 

(c) No, because Aman’s post is defamatory and he cannot rely on the fair comment defence if he cannot prove the truth of the allegations. 

(d) No, because Aman’s post is not based on his own personal knowledge or experience.

Q.2. A cartoonist, Satish Acharya, publishes a cartoon in a magazine depicting a judge, A, in a bad light. A files a defamation suit against Satish Acharya. Can Satish Acharya rely on the exception of artistic licence under Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860?

(a) Yes, because Satish is entitled to use artistic licence in his cartoons. 

(b) Yes, because A is a public figure and is subject to public criticism.

 (c) No, because Satish’s cartoon is defamatory and he cannot rely on the artistic licence defence if the cartoon is not in good public taste.

 (d) No, because Satish’s cartoon is not a matter of public interest.

Q.3. A journalist, Niky D’Souza, publishes an article in a newspaper alleging that a politician Mr.Shah, is corrupt. The article is based on information that D’Souza received from an anonymous source. Mr. Shah files a defamation suit against Niky D’Souza. Can D’Souza rely on the exception of public interest defence under Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860?

(a) Yes, because D’Souza was acting in the public interest by exposing Mr.Shah’s corruption. 

(b) Yes, because D’Souza had a reasonable belief that the allegations against Mr.Shah were true. 

(c) No, because D’Souza  cannot rely on the public interest defence if the allegations against Y are not based on facts. 

(d) No, because D’Souza cannot rely on the public interest defence if the allegations against Y are made without due care and caution.

Q.4. Which of the following is not a valid ground for dismissing a defamation complaint under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973?

(a) The complaint does not disclose a prima facie case of defamation. 

(b) The complaint is frivolous or vexatious. 

(c) The accused is protected by one of the exceptions under Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. 

(d) The accused is a public figure and the alleged defamatory statement is a matter of public interest.

Q.5. A company, X, files a defamation complaint against a journalist, Y, for alleging in a newspaper article that X is involved in corruption. Y argues that the statement is protected by the exception under Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 for communication made in good faith for the public good. The Magistrate is of the opinion that the statement is not protected by the exception and issues summons to Y. Y challenges the summoning order in the High Court under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. What is the most likely outcome of the case?

(a) The High Court will quash the summoning order, holding that the statement is protected by the exception under Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. 

(b) The High Court will uphold the summoning order, holding that the Magistrate has the discretion to decide whether or not the exception applies at the stage of issuing summons. 

(c) The High Court will remit the matter back to the Magistrate for fresh consideration. 

(d) The High Court will dismiss the petition, holding that it cannot enlarge the scope of inquiry under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

To practice more sample questions of legal reasoning, you can visit our portal https://courses.lawpreptutorial.com/ and attempt all-India mocks.

How to Approach CLAT Legal Reasoning Questions?

Approaching CLAT Legal Reasoning questions requires a systematic and logical strategy. Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you tackle these questions effectively:

Read the Passage Carefully:

Start by reading the given passage or scenario thoroughly. Pay close attention to the facts, legal principles, and arguments presented.

Identify Legal Issues:

After reading the passage, identify the legal issues or questions involved. What are the key legal problems or concerns presented in the scenario? It’s essential to recognize these issues to answer the questions correctly.

Analyze Arguments and Statements:

Analyze the arguments or statements made in the passage. Determine which arguments are in favor of or against a particular position. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of each argument.

Apply Legal Principles:

Use your knowledge of legal principles and rules to apply them to the facts presented in the passage. Consider how these principles should be used to address the legal issues identified.

Eliminate Incorrect Options:

When presented with multiple-choice questions, go through each option systematically. Eliminate options that are clearly incorrect based on your analysis of the passage and the application of legal principles.

Choose the Best Answer:

After eliminating incorrect options, select the best answer among the remaining choices. Ensure that your choice aligns with the legal principles and logical reasoning you’ve applied.

Manage Your Time:

Legal Reasoning questions can be time-consuming. Manage your time wisely to ensure you have enough time to answer all questions in this section. Don’t spend too much time on a single question.

Seek Clarification if Necessary:

If any part of the passage is unclear or if you need further information to answer a question, use the information provided in the passage. Do not assume additional information beyond what is given.

Stay Calm and Confident:

Maintain composure during the exam. Confidence in your legal reasoning skills is essential for answering these questions effectively.

Also Read: CLAT 2024 Exam: Application Process, Eligibility, Pattern, Last Date, Admit Card

Last Week Preparation Strategy for CLAT Legal Reasoning

Many aspirants panic as the exam approaches. For your last week of preparation, follow the following strategy:  

1. Keep calm and stay positive
2. Take care of your health
3. Revise your study materials
4. Solve previous year’s question papers and mocks as much as possible. This will also help you with time management skills and will boost your confidence
5. After taking mock tests, thoroughly review your mistakes. Understand the logic behind the correct answers and analyze your reasoning process to improve your problem-solving skills.
6. If you have any doubts or questions regarding legal concepts, seek clarification from teachers.

Conclusion:

The key to effective preparation of legal reasoning for CLAT is consistency, practice and determination. Following the above-mentioned techniques and staying calm and keeping positive thoughts will boost your legal reasoning skills and improve your overall performance.

For more guidance, aspirants can visit our social media channels:

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https://lawpreptutorial.com/

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