Solutions
Course
LMR
1.
Which of the following best defines legal reasoning?
A. The process of memorizing statutes and applying them directly
B. The method of interpreting, analyzing, and applying legal rules to facts
C. The ability to argue without evidence
D. The skill of persuading a jury emotionally
Answer: B. The method of interpreting, analyzing, and applying legal rules to facts
Solution: Legal reasoning requires connecting rules to specific factual scenarios in a logical and
structured way.
2.
A statute prohibits “vehicles” in the park. Which is the most reasonable interpretation under
legal reasoning principles?
A. Excludes only cars
B. Includes bicycles, skateboards, and rollerblades
C. Includes all motorized transport, like cars and motorcycles
D. Includes only public buses
Answer: C. Includes all motorized transport, like cars and motorcycles
Solution: Courts typically interpret “vehicle” in its ordinary sense — motorized transport.
Bicycles may be excluded unless explicitly included.
3.
What does the principle of stare decisis require courts to do?
A. Make decisions based solely on morality
B. Follow precedents established in prior similar cases
C. Ignore past rulings to ensure independence
D. Only rely on statutory law, never case law
Answer: B. Follow precedents established in prior similar cases
Solution: Stare decisis ensures consistency and predictability by requiring courts to follow legal
precedents.
,4.
Which of the following is an example of analogical reasoning in law?
A. Using a previous case involving drones to decide a case about delivery robots
B. Relying only on statutory text
C. Guessing the likely outcome based on personal beliefs
D. Ignoring facts and focusing on procedure
Answer: A. Using a previous case involving drones to decide a case about delivery robots
Solution: Analogical reasoning applies principles from similar prior cases to new, factually
different situations.
5.
If two laws conflict, which typically has priority?
A. The older law
B. The law that is easier to enforce
C. The specific law over the general law
D. The law that favors the government
Answer: C. The specific law over the general law
Solution: Legal reasoning favors specific provisions over broad, general statutes when conflicts
arise.
6.
Which type of legal reasoning applies when a judge interprets ambiguous statutory language
using legislative history?
A. Deductive reasoning
B. Analogical reasoning
C. Purposive reasoning
D. Emotional reasoning
Answer: C. Purposive reasoning
Solution: Purposive reasoning seeks to determine the lawmaker’s intent and purpose behind the
statute.
7.
, Which is the correct order in the IRAC method of legal reasoning?
A. Conclusion → Rule → Application → Issue
B. Issue → Rule → Application → Conclusion
C. Rule → Issue → Application → Conclusion
D. Issue → Application → Rule → Conclusion
Answer: B. Issue → Rule → Application → Conclusion
Solution: IRAC is the structured framework: identify the issue, state the rule, apply it to facts,
then conclude.
8.
Why is precedent important in legal reasoning?
A. It guarantees all cases will have the same outcome
B. It provides predictability and stability in legal systems
C. It eliminates judicial discretion
D. It makes statutes unnecessary
Answer: B. It provides predictability and stability in legal systems
Solution: Precedent ensures fairness and consistency, though courts may distinguish or overturn
in rare cases.
9.
A lawyer argues: “All contracts require offer, acceptance, and consideration. This agreement has
all three; therefore, it is a valid contract.” Which reasoning method is being used?
A. Deductive reasoning
B. Inductive reasoning
C. Analogical reasoning
D. Circular reasoning
Answer: A. Deductive reasoning
Solution: Deduction applies a general rule (contract elements) to specific facts (offer,
acceptance, consideration).
10.
Which of the following best describes inductive legal reasoning?
A. Moving from general rule to specific conclusion
B. Moving from specific cases to a general principle