(Syllabus) Part - A Preliminary Examination - Syllabus (Law)

( UPSC Syllabus )
Part A - Preliminary Examination - Optional Subjects
Examination Syllabus - Subject : Law

1. Jurisprudence

   1. Nature and concept of law.

   2. Schools of Jurisprudence : Analytical, Historical, Philosophical, Sociological & Natural.

   3. Administration of Justice : Theories of punishment.

   4. Sources of Law : Custom, Precedent and Legislation.

   5. A few basic Legal concepts:

      1. Rights and Duties.

      2. Legal Personality.

      3. Ownership and Possession.

2. Constitutional Law of India

   1. Salient features of the Indian Constitution.

   2. Preamble.

   3. Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles and Fundamental Duties.

   4. Constitutional position and powers of President and Governors.

   5. Supreme Court and High Courts: Jurisdiction, powers, appointment and transfer of Judges.

   6. Union Public Service Commission and State Public Service Commissions: Powers and functions.

   7. Distribution of Legislative and Administrative Powers between the Union and the States.

   8. Emergency Provisions.

   9. Amendment of the Consstitution.

3. International Law :

   1. Nature and definition of International Law.

   2. Sources: Treaty, Custom, General Principles of Law recognised by civilised nations and subsidiary means of determination of law.

   3. State Recognition and State Succession.

   4. The United Nations, its objective, purpose and principal organs; Constitution, role and jurisdiction of International Court of Justice.

   5. Protection of Human Rights:

      1. Provisions in the UN Charter. .

      2. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948.

      3. International Convenant of Civil and Political Rights, 1966.

      4. International Convenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, 1966.

4. Torts :

   1. Nature and Defination of Tort.

   2. Liability based on fault and strict liability.

   3. Vicarious Liability including State Liability.

   4. Joint Tort feasors.

   5. Negligence.

   6. Defamation.

   7. Conspiracy

   8. Nuisance.

   9. False imprisonment.

   10. Malicious Prosecution.

5. Criminal Law :

   1. General Principles of criminal liability: Mens rea and actus reus.

   2. Preparation and criminal attempts

   3. General Exceptions.

   4. Joint and constructive liability.

   5. Abetment

   6. Criminal Conspiracy.

   7. Sedition.

   8. Murder and culpable homicide.

   9. Theft, extortion, robbery and dacoity.

   10. Misappropriation and Criminal Breach of Trust.

6. Law of Contract :

   1. Definition of contract.

   2. Basic elements of contract: Offer, acceptance, consideration, contracutal capacity.

   3. Factors vitiating consent.

   4. Void, Voidable, illegal and unenforceable agreements.

   5. Wagering agreements.

   6. Contingent contracts.

   7. Performance of contracts.

   8. Dissolution of contractual obligations: frustration contracts.

   9. Quasi-contracts.

   10. Remedies for breach of contract.

Courtesy : UPSC