SQE1 FLK1 Public Law Sample Questions July 2024

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Last Update: 23 July 2024


The answers, solutions, and explanations provided on this page represent PastPaperHero's interpretation of potential responses to the given questions. These are not guaranteed to be the only correct or definitive answers. Alternative valid responses may exist for many questions. If you believe an answer is incorrect or could be improved, please get in touch with us and we will make the necessary amendments if we deem it necessary. As per our terms and conditions, PastPaperHero shall not be held liable or responsible for any consequences arising from the use of the content on this page. This includes, but is not limited to, incorrect answers in assignments, exams, or any form of testing administered by educational institutions or examination boards. Users are responsible for verifying that the methods and procedures presented align with those taught in their respective educational settings. While we strive to provide high-quality, accurate content, PastPaperHero does not guarantee any specific outcomes in academic testing, whether formal or informal.


Question 1


In a hypothetical scenario, a country named Freedonia has a constitutional structure that concentrates significant power in the hands of its President, with the legislature and judiciary having very limited roles in governance. A group of concerned citizens, including some lawyers, are advocating for a constitutional amendment to introduce a more balanced system of governance that limits the President's powers and strengthens the roles of both the legislature and judiciary.


As part of this advocacy group, what action would best reflect a lawyer's commitment to the principles of rule of law and separation of powers in accordance with the SRA Principles?


  • A. Supporting the status quo because changing the constitutional structure could lead to political instability.
  • B. Drafting a proposal for a constitutional amendment that clearly delineates the powers of the President, legislature, and judiciary.
  • C. Advising the group to focus solely on strengthening the judiciary as it's the least disruptive approach.
  • D. Encouraging the group to seek a compromise that allows the President to retain some legislative powers.
  • E. Suggesting the formation of a shadow government as an alternative to pushing for constitutional amendments.

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The correct answer is B. Drafting a proposal for a constitutional amendment that clearly delineates the powers of the President, legislature, and judiciary is the most effective action that reflects a lawyer's commitment to the principles of rule of law and separation of powers. This approach promotes honesty, integrity, and adherence to the rule of law as mandated by the SRA Principles.


Option A is incorrect because it suggests complacency and a disregard for reforming governance practices to align with the principles of rule of law and separation of powers, which is contrary to the SRA Principles.


Option C is incorrect because it proposes a partial approach that does not adequately address the imbalance of powers, thus falling short of ensuring a comprehensive adherence to the principle of separation of powers.


Option D is incorrect because seeking a compromise that allows the President to retain some legislative powers fails to address the core issue of power imbalance and does not fully embrace the doctrine of separation of powers.


Option E is incorrect because forming a shadow government may undermine the principles of public trust and confidence in the legal profession, whereas the advocacy for constitutional reform through legitimate and legal means is more aligned with the SRA Principles.


Question 2


In response to a growing concern over cyber-security threats, the UK Government proposes the 'Digital Defence Bill', aiming to enhance the country's cyber-infrastructure. Among various measures, the bill proposes mandatory cyber-insurance for businesses operating in critical sectors and establishes new offences for cyber negligence. As the bill progresses through Parliament, it garners significant attention for its potential impact on privacy rights and international data agreements.


Under the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty, which body has the ultimate authority to decide upon the enactment of the Digital Defence Bill?


  • A. The House of Commons, following a majority vote.
  • B. The Prime Minister, as the head of the governing party.
  • C. The judiciary, through a preemptive review of its provisions.
  • D. The House of Lords, as the final revising chamber.
  • E. International cyber-security agencies, under existing treaties.

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The correct answer is A. The House of Commons, following a majority vote. Under the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty, the ultimate power to make or unmake any law is vested in Parliament, and within Parliament, it is the House of Commons that ultimately decides whether a bill is enacted, contingent on it passing a majority vote after consideration by both Houses.


Option B is incorrect because, although the Prime Minister leads the government and their party, the authority to enact legislation rests with Parliament as a whole, not any single individual or office.


Option C is incorrect because the judiciary does not have the power to enact legislation or preemptively review bills before they are passed; its role is to interpret and apply the law once enacted.


Option D is incorrect because, while the House of Lords plays a critical role in revising and scrutinizing bills, the final authority on whether a bill is enacted lies with the House of Commons.


Option E is incorrect because, despite international obligations and partnerships, the UK Parliament retains sovereignty over the creation of domestic law. International agencies do not have direct authority over the enactment of UK legislation.


Question 3


Following a general election, the newly appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom expresses an intention to consult the public on certain constitutional reforms. These reforms include the introduction of a written constitution, aiming to better define the powers of the Parliament and the government. The Prime Minister believes that this will enhance the democratic process by making the government's powers and limitations clearer to the public.


Considering the Prime Minister's intention to introduce a written constitution through public consultation, which constitutional principle is most directly being applied?


  • A. The Principle of Parliamentary Sovereignty.
  • B. The Principle of the Rule of Law.
  • C. The Principle of Representative Democracy.
  • D. The Doctrine of the Separation of Powers.
  • E. The Principle of Constitutionalism.

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The correct answer is E. The 'Principle of Constitutionalism' is most directly demonstrated by the Prime Minister's initiative to introduce a written constitution through public consultation. This principle involves the concept that the government's authority is derived from and limited by a body of fundamental law or constitution, aiming to prevent arbitrary use of power by delineating limits and checks on governmental action. By seeking to introduce a written constitution, the initiative is a direct application of constitutionalism, which seeks to enhance democratic governance by making government powers clearer and subject to legal constraints.


Option A is incorrect because The Principle of Parliamentary Sovereignty, while a fundamental principle of the UK constitution, primarily relates to the legal authority of the UK Parliament to create or end any law. The scenario described focuses on introducing a written constitution rather than on Parliament's legislative powers per se.


Option B is incorrect because The Principle of the Rule of Law chiefly concerns the idea that all individuals and authoritative bodies are subject to and accountable under the law. This scenario is more about the establishment of a legal framework through a written constitution than about the application or enforcement of law.


Option C is incorrect because The Principle of Representative Democracy pertains to the system of government where elected officials represent a group of people. Though public consultation reflects democratic values, the question specifically addresses the introduction of a written constitution, which is best encapsulated by the principle of constitutionalism.


Option D is incorrect because The Doctrine of the Separation of Powers deals with the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. The initiative to consult on a written constitution, while it may impact the separation of powers, is directly related to constitutionalism.


Question 4


During a large public demonstration, a group of protesters block a major highway causing significant traffic disruption. The organizers did not communicate their intent to block the road, and their action has led to heated exchanges between drivers and protesters. Local business operations are also being affected. The police have arrived at the scene and are assessing the situation, noting that while there is significant disruption, no violence has occurred yet. However, they are concerned about the potential escalation into violence or severe public disorder.


Under these circumstances, would it be lawful for the police to arrest the protesters for causing a potential breach of the peace?


  • A. Yes, because blocking a highway constitutes a direct act of public disorder justifying arrest.
  • B. No, as long as no physical violence has occurred, the protesters' actions are protected.
  • C. Yes, if the police have reasonable grounds to believe that the situation could imminently escalate into violence or severe public disorder.
  • D. No, because the police must wait for an actual breach of the peace to occur before making any arrests.
  • E. Yes, because the protest is causing significant disruption to public infrastructure and local businesses.

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The correct answer is C. In scenarios where there's a reasonable belief that actions such as blocking a major highway during a demonstration could imminently escalate into violence or severe public disorder, the police have lawful grounds to arrest those involved to prevent a breach of the peace. This is based on the principle that the police's role includes preventing imminent breaches of peace, as established in legal precedents like R v Howell.


Option A is incorrect because, while blocking a highway is disruptive, the act alone without the imminent threat of violence or severe disorder does not justify arrest for breach of the peace.


Option B is incorrect because the lack of violence does not automatically make the protesters' actions protected if there is an imminent risk of serious disorder or violence.


Option D is incorrect because the police are not required to wait for a breach to actually occur if there is a reasonable belief of an imminent breach. Preventive measures are part of their duties.


Option E is incorrect since the presence of significant disruption alone does not provide sufficient grounds for arrests without the reasonable belief of an imminent escalation to violence or serious disorder.


Question 5


FairHaven Ltd, a UK-based agricultural business, is planning to introduce a new line of genetically modified (GM) seeds. Given the environmental and health concerns associated with GM crops, the company seeks advice regarding the EU's regulatory framework for the cultivation and sale of GM seeds within the EU, especially focusing on areas covered by the common agricultural policy as outlined in Article 38 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).


Which of the following best reflects how EU decisions regarding the regulation of genetically modified seeds within the scope of the common agricultural policy must be treated by member states?


  • A. Member states have the autonomy to reject EU decisions concerning genetically modified seeds if public health is at risk.
  • B. Member states must seek approval from the European Food Safety Authority before implementing EU decisions on genetically modified seeds.
  • C. EU decisions regarding genetically modified seeds under the common agricultural policy must be implemented as is by member states.
  • D. Member states may apply more stringent controls than those set by the EU if they can prove environmental benefits.
  • E. The EU provides guidelines on genetically modified seeds which member states can adapt based on local agricultural needs.

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The correct answer is C. Under the common agricultural policy, outlined in Article 38 TFEU, the EU has the authority to set binding decisions regarding the regulation of genetically modified seeds, which member states are obligated to implement without alteration.


Option A is incorrect because member states do not have the autonomy to reject EU-level decisions regarding genetically modified seeds, even on public health grounds, without specific provisions.


Option B is incorrect as although the European Food Safety Authority plays a significant role in assessing risks, member states do not need its approval to implement EU decisions.


Option D is incorrect because, generally, member states may not apply more stringent controls than those set by the EU without EU approval or unless specified conditions are met.


Option E is incorrect as EU guidelines regarding genetically modified seeds under the common agricultural policy are not merely suggestions but are binding decisions that must be followed by member states.


Question 6


A member of the UK Parliament made controversial remarks concerning the business practices of a multinational corporation during a debate on corporate ethics. The statements made accused the corporation of evading taxes and violating human rights in foreign operations. The corporation's legal team is reviewing the situation to determine if they have grounds for a libel action against the MP for the statements made during the parliamentary debate.


What advice should be provided to the corporation's legal team regarding the potential for a successful libel lawsuit?


  • A. The corporation can sue the MP as parliamentary debates are not covered by absolute privilege.
  • B. The corporation cannot sue the MP as statements made during parliamentary debates are protected by absolute privilege.
  • C. The corporation should first request a public apology from the MP before considering legal action.
  • D. The MP can be sued only if it can be proven that the statements were made with malicious intent.
  • E. The corporation can sue the MP if the statements caused financial losses to the corporation.

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The correct answer is B. The corporation cannot sue the MP as statements made during parliamentary debates are protected by absolute privilege. Absolute privilege is a complete defense in defamation cases, allowing MPs and other individuals participating in parliamentary proceedings to speak freely without fear of legal action in respect of the statements made during the course of those proceedings. The rationale behind this legal protection is to ensure open and uninhibited debate on matters of public interest.


Option A is incorrect because statements made during parliamentary debates are indeed covered by absolute privilege, which makes them immune from defamation lawsuits.


Option C is incorrect because although seeking a public apology may address some reputational concerns, it does not alter the legal protection afforded to the MP under absolute privilege.


Option D is incorrect as the concept of malicious intent does not negate the protection of absolute privilege for statements made during parliamentary proceedings.


Option E is incorrect because the impact of the statements, including any financial losses, is not relevant to the applicability of absolute privilege in the context of statements made during parliamentary debates.


Question 7


Amelia, a British artist, collaborates with L’Arte, a gallery based in France, to sell her artwork across the EU. The contract, signed in 2010, states that any disputes will be resolved under UK law. In 2021, a dispute arises over intellectual property rights, with relevant EU directives seemingly conflicting with British law as applied to the terms of the agreement.


In resolving this dispute, which principle regarding the precedence of laws is most likely to be considered by the court?


  • A. French law will take precedence as the gallery is based in France, an EU member state.
  • B. British law will prevail as the contract explicitly states its governance over any dispute.
  • C. EU law will have precedence due to its direct effect principle, overriding national laws in case of conflict.
  • D. The principle of territoriality allows for British and French laws to apply equally.
  • E. The domicile of the artist determines which law is applied, so British law will govern.

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The correct answer is C. EU law generally has precedence over national laws of its member states, including UK law, in cases of conflict, even post-Brexit for contracts signed while the UK was a member, as established by principles such as those in Costa v ENEL.


Option A is incorrect because the location of the gallery does not alone determine the law's precedence; the principle of EU law's supremacy would still apply in cases of conflict.


Option B is incorrect because, despite the contract's specification, EU law can override national law in areas where it has competence, affecting member states.


Option D is incorrect as the principle of territoriality does not provide for equal application of British and French laws in this context; EU law's supremacy in areas of conflict takes precedence.


Option E is incorrect because the domicile of the artist is not relevant in determining which law applies in disputes where EU law is in conflict with national law.


Question 8


A recent healthcare crisis requires urgent development of new regulations to manage the distribution of vaccines across the UK. Parliament passes an Act granting a Secretary of State the authority to issue detailed rules to address unforeseen challenges in the vaccine rollout, subject to certain conditions and procedures.


What is the legal mechanism used here to enable the Secretary of State to create regulations for the vaccine distribution?


  • A. Statutory instruments.
  • B. Royal prerogative.
  • C. Direct legislation.
  • D. Common law precedent.
  • E. Local government ordinances.

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The correct answer is A. Statutory instruments are a form of delegated legislation which allows government ministers or other bodies to make legislation within guidelines set out by an Act of Parliament, as is the case with the Secretary of State making regulations for vaccine distribution.


Option B is incorrect because the Royal prerogative involves powers historically held by the Crown and does not pertain to the delegation of legislative powers to ministers under an Act of Parliament.


Option C is incorrect because direct legislation refers to laws made directly by Parliament itself rather than through delegation.


Option D is incorrect because common law precedent refers to laws established through court decisions and does not involve the process of delegated legislation.


Option E is incorrect because local government ordinances are regulations made by local authorities, not the delegation of legislative powers to a Secretary of State under an Act of Parliament.


Question 9


An independent film production company in England has developed a feature film that includes sensitive data relating to real-life individuals who reside in multiple EU countries. The film is slated for release across various EU markets. The company is aware that the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) imposes certain obligations on entities processing personal data that may not be as stringent under the UK's Data Protection Act 2018.


In light of the GDPR's extraterritorial application, which of the following best describes the company’s obligation before releasing the film in the EU?


  • A. Seek consent from the UK government to comply with the GDPR.
  • B. Comply with the GDPR for the processing of EU residents' data without seeking UK government’s consent.
  • C. Initiate a public consultation in the UK on whether to adhere to the GDPR.
  • D. Negotiate with the EU for an exemption from the GDPR for artistic expressions.
  • E. None of the above, as the film production company is governed solely by UK law.

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The correct answer is B. The GDPR has extraterritorial application, meaning it applies to organisations outside the EU, including those in the UK, if they process personal data of individuals residing in the EU in connection with offering goods or services to them or monitoring their behaviour. Thus, the film production company must comply with the GDPR in relation to data pertaining to EU residents without needing to seek consent from the UK government.


Option A is incorrect because there is no requirement for a private company to seek consent from the UK government to comply with international regulations like the GDPR that have extraterritorial application.


Option C is incorrect because a public consultation is not a legally required or relevant step for a private company deciding to comply with the GDPR for processing EU residents' data.


Option D is incorrect as negotiating with the EU for an exemption from the GDPR for the company's specific case is not a standard procedure, particularly in areas as strictly regulated as data protection.


Option E is incorrect because, despite being based in the UK, the company is not solely governed by UK law when its activities involve processing personal data of individuals residing in the EU, thus bringing it under the purview of the GDPR.


Question 10


A local authority plans to introduce a curfew in a specific area due to a spike in criminal activity. This decision has been met with resistance from the community, who argue that it restricts their freedom of movement unnecessarily.


What is the first legal action the local authority should take to ensure the curfew aligns with human rights law and the rule of law?


  • A. Seek an advisory opinion from a human rights law expert.
  • B. Conduct a public consultation to gauge the opinion of the local community.
  • C. Implement the curfew immediately to prevent any further criminal activities.
  • D. Publish a detailed report outlining the reasons for the curfew and its expected benefits.
  • E. Issue an official statement reassuring the public about the temporary nature of the curfew.

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The correct answer is A. The local authority should seek an advisory opinion from a human rights law expert to ensure that the planned curfew does not infringe upon the rights protected under human rights law and is in compliance with the principles of the rule of law.


Option B is incorrect because while public consultation is an important aspect of democratic decision-making, it does not directly ensure that the curfew aligns with human rights law and the rule of law.


Option C is incorrect because implementing the curfew immediately without seeking legal counsel might violate human rights and the principles of the rule of law.


Option D is incorrect because, although transparency is important, publishing a report does not ensure that the curfew is legally justified under human rights law.


Option E is incorrect because simply reassuring the public about the temporary nature of the curfew does not address its legality or compliance with human rights law.