Updated On : November 11, 2023
Summary: Are you ready to conquer CLAT PG 2024 and excel in Criminal Law? Unlock the ultimate preparation strategy to boost your chances of success! Read on to discover expert tips, valuable insights, and effective techniques that will set you apart in this competitive exam.
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT PG) is a competitive entrance examination aimed at aspirants who want to pursue a master's degree in law. With the comprehensive syllabus and vast array of subjects, preparing for this exam can seem overwhelming, especially if you're focusing on a specific area like Criminal Law.
Here, we will guide you through a detailed study plan and preparation strategy to assist you in your journey towards acing the CLAT PG 2024, with a special emphasis on Criminal Law.
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Embarking on your journey to ace the CLAT PG 2024, specifically the Criminal Law section, begins with a clear understanding of the syllabus:
Knowledge of these areas forms the bedrock of your Criminal Law preparation strategy for CLAT PG 2024.
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For example, understanding that 'murder' under Section 300 IPC is a 'cognizable' and 'non-bailable' offence helps you appreciate the gravity and seriousness of this crime within the Indian legal framework.
By studying landmark cases, such as K. D. Gaur v. State (NCT of Delhi), which discusses the extent of 'common intention' under IPC, you can improve your ability to handle application-based questions in the CLAT PG exam.
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For instance, if you consistently score lower in questions related to 'anticipatory bail' under CrPC, you know it's time to revisit and solidify your understanding of this topic.
For instance, knowing that 'mens rea', which means 'guilty mind', is a fundamental element in criminal offences as per the IPC, could help you tackle a challenging question around culpability.
Mastering the Bare Acts is a critical aspect of your Criminal Law preparation strategy for CLAT PG 2024. Bare Acts are the actual text of a law or statute as enacted by the legislature, and they serve as the fundamental reference points for your exam preparation. For the CLAT PG 2024, you should focus on the following three Bare Acts:
The Indian Penal Code (IPC): This comprehensive code intends to cover all substantive aspects of criminal law. It's crucial to grasp the chapters, sections, and their corresponding explanations. Focus on topics like General Exceptions (Chapter IV), Offences against the State (Chapter VI), Offences against Public Justice (Chapter XI), Offences affecting Life (Chapter XVI), and Criminal Conspiracy (Section 120A and 120B).
The Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC): CrPC provides the procedural framework for the enforcement of substantive criminal law (IPC). Here, you must understand topics such as the jurisdiction of criminal courts, the process of criminal trials, processes and powers related to investigations, and provisions relating to bail and bonds. Pay special attention to topics like 'Maintenance of Wives, Children and Parents' (Section 125) and 'Anticipatory Bail' (Section 438).
The Indian Evidence Act: This Act lays down the rules concerning the admissibility of evidence in Indian courts. Understand the concepts of 'Relevancy of Facts' (Sections 6 to 55), 'Proof' (Sections 56 to 100), 'Witnesses' (Sections 118 to 134), and 'Documentary Evidence' (Sections 61 to 90). The Act's interpretation and principles are also crucial for the exam.
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While reading the Bare Acts, take note of the following:
Understanding and interpreting Bare Acts is a crucial part of your CLAT PG 2024 preparation. The ability to navigate these texts with ease can give you a significant advantage in the examination. Remember, the goal is not just to remember the sections verbatim, but to comprehend the principles and apply them to various legal scenarios effectively.
As you dive into the Bare Acts for your CLAT PG 2024 preparation, it's crucial to pay particular attention to some significant sections and provisions that are frequently tested in the exam. Here is a list of some key sections from each of the three primary Bare Acts that you should focus on:
General Exceptions (Sections 76 to 106): These sections include various defenses to criminal liability like the act of a child, act of an insane person, necessity, etc.
Offences Against the State (Sections 121 to 130): These sections cover serious offences like waging war against the Government of India, sedition, etc.
Offences Relating to Religion (Sections 295 to 298): These provisions are particularly relevant given the current socio-political climate.
Offences Affecting Life (Sections 299 to 311): This includes murder, culpable homicide, suicide, etc.
Criminal Conspiracy (Sections 120A and 120B): These sections define and provide punishment for criminal conspiracy.
Maintenance of Wives, Children, and Parents (Section 125): This section provides a quick and effective remedy for neglected persons to seek maintenance.
Anticipatory Bail (Section 438): This is an important provision that allows a person to seek bail in anticipation of an arrest on accusation of having committed a non-bailable offence.
Powers of Police to Investigate (Sections 154 to 176): These sections provide the procedure for filing FIRs, the procedure for investigations, etc.
Procedure of Trial (Sections 238 to 250): These sections provide a detailed account of how trials should be conducted in sessions courts.
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Admission and Confession (Sections 17 to 31): These sections deal with the relevance of admissions and confessions in criminal trials.
Expert Opinions (Sections 45 to 50): These sections describe when expert opinions are relevant in proceedings.
Character as Corroborative Evidence (Sections 53 to 55): These sections describe the instances when the character of a person becomes relevant.
Documentary Evidence (Sections 61 to 90): These sections describe the rules for the relevancy and admissibility of documentary evidence.
As mentioned previously, it is important not only to understand these sections and provisions but also to be able to apply them effectively in answering questions during the exam. Keep practicing with mock tests and previous years' papers for a comprehensive preparation.
An efficient study plan complements your Criminal Law preparation strategy for CLAT PG 2024. Here's a general plan you can adapt to fit your learning style and schedule:
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Here are three landmark case laws that are highly relevant for your CLAT PG 2024 preparation:
Issue: The primary issue in this case was whether necessity could be used as a defense for murder. After being stranded on a boat for many days, Dudley and Stephens killed and ate a sickly young cabin boy to survive.
Judgment: The court ruled that necessity is not a valid defense for murder. It stated that a person's life cannot be sacrificed to save another, no matter how grave the circumstances.
Provisions Involved: This case is a precedent in common law countries and is related to the provisions of 'Unlawful Killing' in the Indian Penal Code.
Issue: The issue in question was the extent of the High Court's power to quash proceedings under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), particularly in cases that are non-compoundable under Section 320 of the CrPC.
Judgment: The Supreme Court held that the power of the High Court to quash proceedings is wide, but this does not confer upon the court a license to adjudicate rights and liabilities, which is a function of the civil court.
Provisions Involved: This case deals with Section 482 of the CrPC (Saving of inherent powers of High Court), and Section 320 of the CrPC, which deals with compounding of offences.
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Issue: This case revolved around the question of whether the accused was covered under the Exception 1 of Section 300 of IPC, which refers to the 'grave and sudden provocation' defense.
Judgment: The Supreme Court held that Nanavati's act did not fall under the Exception 1 of Section 300 of IPC as the provocation was not sudden, nor did he lose self-control, rather the murder was a premeditated act.
Provisions Involved: The case pertains to Section 300 of the IPC, which defines murder, and specifically its Exception 1, which deals with 'grave and sudden provocation.'
Understanding these case laws not only aids in your preparation for CLAT PG 2024, but also provides you a nuanced understanding of how Criminal Law operates in practical scenarios.
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