Jurisprudence is the backbone of all legal reasoning. Whether you’re appearing for Judicial Services, UGC NET Law, or LL.M. entrance, mastering jurisprudential concepts is a must. This specially curated quiz brings you high-quality MCQs on Jurisprudence, with detailed explanations based on Indian legal developments, famous jurists like Austin, Kelsen, and Pound, and landmark case laws. Scroll down, test your concepts, and ace your legal theory game!
🔍 1. Major Jurists & Theories
- John Austin: Command Theory of law – law is the command of the sovereign backed by sanction.
- Hans Kelsen: Pure Theory of Law – emphasized a hierarchy of norms leading to a ‘Grundnorm’.
- Roscoe Pound: Developed the ‘Social Engineering’ theory – law as a tool to balance interests.
- A.V. Dicey: Known for Rule of Law – supremacy of law, equality before law.
⚖️ 2. Schools of Jurisprudence
- Analytical School: Focuses on law as it is (Austin, Hart).
- Natural Law School: Law must conform to moral values (Aquinas, Locke).
- Sociological School: Law is a social institution evolving with society (Pound, Duguit).
- Historical School: Law develops from customs and traditions (Savigny).
- Realist School: Law is what courts do in practice (Holmes, Llewellyn).
🧠 3. Indian Context & Case Laws
- Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973): Rule of Law declared part of the basic structure of the Constitution.
- Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018): Emphasized Constitutional Morality while striking down Section 377 IPC.
- Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978): Expanded the scope of Article 21, linking law and justice.
📚 4. Important Concepts
Utilitarianism: Bentham’s theory—laws should promote the greatest happiness of the greatest number.
Legal Personality: Recognizes entities like corporations and NGOs as legal persons.
Interest Theory of Rights: Proposed by Pound; rights protect legitimate interests.
