Fall Semester 2026 UNISA Assignment: Criminal and Procedural Law
(TLI4801) – Fully Solved Assignment with Step-by-Step Case Analysis,
Marking-Guideline Alignment & Exam-Focused Legal Study Guide (Updated
2026 Edition)
,Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of criminal law?
• A) To regulate private relationships
• B) To provide remedies for civil wrongs
• C) To maintain public order and safety
• D) To establish property rights
Correct Option: C) To maintain public order and safety
Rationale: The primary purpose of criminal law is to prohibit behaviors that threaten
public safety and enact appropriate punishments for those who violate these laws.
Question 2:
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy trial?
• A) First Amendment
• B) Fourth Amendment
• C) Sixth Amendment
• D) Eighth Amendment
Correct Option: C) Sixth Amendment
Rationale: The Sixth Amendment ensures the right to a speedy and public trial, which is
a fundamental safeguard for defendants.
Question 3:
In criminal procedure, "double jeopardy" refers to:
• A) Being tried again for the same crime after an acquittal
• B) The right to an appeal
• C) Bringing multiple charges for one act
• D) The right to a jury trial
Correct Option: A) Being tried again for the same crime after an acquittal
Rationale: Double jeopardy prevents an individual from being tried twice for the same
offense, a protection granted by the Fifth Amendment.
Question 4:
What is the standard of proof required for a conviction in a criminal case?
• A) Preponderance of the evidence
, • B) Reasonable suspicion
• C) Beyond a reasonable doubt
• D) Clear and convincing evidence
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 the highest standard of proof in the legal system.
Question 5:
Which of the following is considered a mitigating factor in sentencing?
• A) Prior convictions
• B) History of abuse
• C) Use of a weapon
• D) Premeditation
Correct Option: B) History of abuse
Rationale: Mitigating factors, such as a history of abuse, may reduce the severity of the
sentence by providing context for the defendant’s actions.
Question 6:
Which of the following is NOT a felony?
• A) Murder
• B) Burglary
• C) Trespassing
• D) Robbery
Correct Option: C) Trespassing
Rationale: Trespassing is typically classified as a misdemeanor, while murder, burglary,
and robbery are considered felonies.
Question 7:
The term "mens rea" refers to:
• A) The mental state of the defendant
• B) The physical act of the crime
• C) The circumstances surrounding the crime
• D) The law relating to defenses
(TLI4801) – Fully Solved Assignment with Step-by-Step Case Analysis,
Marking-Guideline Alignment & Exam-Focused Legal Study Guide (Updated
2026 Edition)
,Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of criminal law?
• A) To regulate private relationships
• B) To provide remedies for civil wrongs
• C) To maintain public order and safety
• D) To establish property rights
Correct Option: C) To maintain public order and safety
Rationale: The primary purpose of criminal law is to prohibit behaviors that threaten
public safety and enact appropriate punishments for those who violate these laws.
Question 2:
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy trial?
• A) First Amendment
• B) Fourth Amendment
• C) Sixth Amendment
• D) Eighth Amendment
Correct Option: C) Sixth Amendment
Rationale: The Sixth Amendment ensures the right to a speedy and public trial, which is
a fundamental safeguard for defendants.
Question 3:
In criminal procedure, "double jeopardy" refers to:
• A) Being tried again for the same crime after an acquittal
• B) The right to an appeal
• C) Bringing multiple charges for one act
• D) The right to a jury trial
Correct Option: A) Being tried again for the same crime after an acquittal
Rationale: Double jeopardy prevents an individual from being tried twice for the same
offense, a protection granted by the Fifth Amendment.
Question 4:
What is the standard of proof required for a conviction in a criminal case?
• A) Preponderance of the evidence
, • B) Reasonable suspicion
• C) Beyond a reasonable doubt
• D) Clear and convincing evidence
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 the highest standard of proof in the legal system.
Question 5:
Which of the following is considered a mitigating factor in sentencing?
• A) Prior convictions
• B) History of abuse
• C) Use of a weapon
• D) Premeditation
Correct Option: B) History of abuse
Rationale: Mitigating factors, such as a history of abuse, may reduce the severity of the
sentence by providing context for the defendant’s actions.
Question 6:
Which of the following is NOT a felony?
• A) Murder
• B) Burglary
• C) Trespassing
• D) Robbery
Correct Option: C) Trespassing
Rationale: Trespassing is typically classified as a misdemeanor, while murder, burglary,
and robbery are considered felonies.
Question 7:
The term "mens rea" refers to:
• A) The mental state of the defendant
• B) The physical act of the crime
• C) The circumstances surrounding the crime
• D) The law relating to defenses
