Fall Semester 2026 UNISA Assignment: Criminal and Procedural Law
(TLI4801) – Complete Solved Assignment with Case Law Analysis,
Marking-Guideline Alignment & Exam-Focused Legal Study Guide (Updated
2026 Edition)
LLLL
,Question 1
Which of the following is a key principle of criminal law?
• A) Presumption of innocence
• B) Double jeopardy
• C) Ex post facto laws
• D) Nullum crimen sine lege
Correct Option: A) Presumption of innocence
Rationale: The presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle in criminal law
that holds a defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty.
Question 2
What is the standard of proof required in criminal cases?
• A) Preponderance of evidence
• B) Clear and convincing evidence
• C) Beyond a reasonable doubt
• D) Probable cause
Correct Option: C) Beyond a reasonable doubt
Rationale: In criminal cases, the prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt "beyond
a reasonable doubt," which is a higher standard than in civil cases.
Question 3
Which amendment in the U.S. Constitution protects against self-incrimination?
• A) Fourth Amendment
• B) Fifth Amendment
• C) Sixth Amendment
• D) Eighth Amendment
Correct Option: B) Fifth Amendment
Rationale: The Fifth Amendment provides that no person "shall be compelled in any
criminal case to be a witness against himself," thereby protecting against self-
incrimination.
, Question 4
What is the legal term for a serious crime, typically punishable by imprisonment for
more than one year?
• A) Misdemeanor
• B) Violation
• C) Felony
• D) Infraction
Correct Option: C) Felony
Rationale: A felony is defined as a serious crime that often results in harsher penalties
compared to misdemeanors, which are less serious offenses.
Question 5
Which of the following defenses can be used in a criminal trial to argue that the
defendant should not be held liable due to a mental condition?
• A) Insanity defense
• B) Duress
• C) Mistake of fact
• D) Consent
Correct Option: A) Insanity defense
Rationale: The insanity defense claims that the defendant was not in a sound state of
mind at the time of the crime, affecting their ability to understand the nature of their
actions.
Question 6
What is the primary purpose of procedural law?
• A) To define crimes
• B) To set the rules for legal proceedings
• C) To punish offenders
• D) To draft legislation
Correct Option: B) To set the rules for legal proceedings
Rationale: Procedural law establishes the methods and procedures that courts follow
in the administration of justice.
(TLI4801) – Complete Solved Assignment with Case Law Analysis,
Marking-Guideline Alignment & Exam-Focused Legal Study Guide (Updated
2026 Edition)
LLLL
,Question 1
Which of the following is a key principle of criminal law?
• A) Presumption of innocence
• B) Double jeopardy
• C) Ex post facto laws
• D) Nullum crimen sine lege
Correct Option: A) Presumption of innocence
Rationale: The presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle in criminal law
that holds a defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty.
Question 2
What is the standard of proof required in criminal cases?
• A) Preponderance of evidence
• B) Clear and convincing evidence
• C) Beyond a reasonable doubt
• D) Probable cause
Correct Option: C) Beyond a reasonable doubt
Rationale: In criminal cases, the prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt "beyond
a reasonable doubt," which is a higher standard than in civil cases.
Question 3
Which amendment in the U.S. Constitution protects against self-incrimination?
• A) Fourth Amendment
• B) Fifth Amendment
• C) Sixth Amendment
• D) Eighth Amendment
Correct Option: B) Fifth Amendment
Rationale: The Fifth Amendment provides that no person "shall be compelled in any
criminal case to be a witness against himself," thereby protecting against self-
incrimination.
, Question 4
What is the legal term for a serious crime, typically punishable by imprisonment for
more than one year?
• A) Misdemeanor
• B) Violation
• C) Felony
• D) Infraction
Correct Option: C) Felony
Rationale: A felony is defined as a serious crime that often results in harsher penalties
compared to misdemeanors, which are less serious offenses.
Question 5
Which of the following defenses can be used in a criminal trial to argue that the
defendant should not be held liable due to a mental condition?
• A) Insanity defense
• B) Duress
• C) Mistake of fact
• D) Consent
Correct Option: A) Insanity defense
Rationale: The insanity defense claims that the defendant was not in a sound state of
mind at the time of the crime, affecting their ability to understand the nature of their
actions.
Question 6
What is the primary purpose of procedural law?
• A) To define crimes
• B) To set the rules for legal proceedings
• C) To punish offenders
• D) To draft legislation
Correct Option: B) To set the rules for legal proceedings
Rationale: Procedural law establishes the methods and procedures that courts follow
in the administration of justice.
