Explain the meaning of law and describe its main branches with examples.
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
1 · Open in two lines. Law is the body of rules of conduct made or recognised by the State and enforced by the courts. It brings order and justice to society and business.
2 · Give two definitions.
Austin: a command of the sovereign backed by a sanction.
Salmond: principles recognised and applied by the State in the administration of justice.
3 · List the features of law. Rules of conduct, made or recognised by the State, backed by sanctions, general and equal, published, aimed at justice, changing with society.
4 · Draw a branch chart. [Diagram: Law → public / private; civil / criminal; substantive / procedural; national / international]
5 · Explain each pair with an example.
Public (criminal, tax) and private (contract, property).
Civil (sue for unpaid invoice) and criminal (theft by a cashier).
Substantive (Sale of Goods Ordinance) and procedural (Civil Procedure Code).
National and international law.
6 · In Sri Lankan business. A firm meets company, contract, labour, tax and criminal law in its daily work.
7 · Close in one line. Knowing the branch tells you which rules, which court and which remedy apply.
Scoring tip: A small chart of the branch pairs earns quick marks. Give one example per branch.
