The question (13 marks)
It is often said that no single definition of law has ever been agreed upon. Explain why the definition of law resists settlement, distinguish law from a rule, a regulation and a policy, and then discuss the four sources of law recognised in the Indian system, showing how each of them binds and how they rank among themselves. (13 marks)
MU Module I, heads 1.1 and 1.2; pack ch. 01.
Plan your answer on paper before you look at the authorities — issue first, then the rule, then apply it to these facts.
It tests Unit 1 · Law, Sources, Legal Language and Analysis of Legal Writing and Legal Language.
Authorities you will need
- General Clauses Act 1897, ss. 3(50), 3(51), 13 and 6
- Constitution of India, articles 141 and 367
- Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties 1969, articles 31(1) and 32
- Protection of Human Rights Act 1993, s. 2(1)(d)
- Maneka Gandhi v Union of India
- Gopi v Jaggo, Privy Council
How an answer is marked
A full-marks answer names the issue in one line, states the rule with its section, cites the authority, applies it to these facts and concludes — in that order. The app's model answer for this question is written in exactly that shape, with a checklist to mark your own attempt against.