Class 8 Social-Science Chapter 10 Practice Question Answers - Law and Social Justice

Q1: What is the primary objective of laws related to social justice?
(a) To protect the interests of the wealthy
(b) To maintain the existing social hierarchy
(c) To ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for all
(d) To promote discrimination based on caste and religion
Ans: (c)
Laws related to social justice are designed to create a just and equitable society by ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, are treated fairly and have equal access to opportunities.

Q2: Which of the following is an example of a social justice issue?
(a) Availability of luxury goods
(b) Access to clean drinking water
(c) Fashion trends
(d) Entertainment preferences
Ans: (b)
Access to clean drinking water is a social justice issue as it is a basic human need, and ensuring equal access to it is part of creating a just and equitable society.

Q3: What does the term 'discrimination' refer to?
(a) Treating everyone the same way
(b) Treating people differently based on their characteristics
(c) Providing equal opportunities to all
(d) Supporting social harmony
Ans: (b)
Discrimination involves treating individuals differently or unfairly based on their characteristics such as gender, caste, religion, race, etc. It goes against the principles of social justice.

Q4: Which law aims to prohibit the practice of "untouchability" in India?
(a) Right to Education Act
(b) Juvenile Justice Act
(c) Protection of Civil Rights Act
(d) Consumer Protection Act
Ans: (c)
The Protection of Civil Rights Act aims to eradicate the practice of "untouchability" and provides legal provisions to prevent and punish acts of discrimination.

Q5: What is the significance of the "Equal Pay for Equal Work" principle?
(a) It ensures that everyone gets paid the same amount
(b) It promotes unequal pay based on job roles
(c) It guarantees fair wages for the same work without discrimination
(d) It focuses on paying more to certain groups
Ans: (c)
The principle of "Equal Pay for Equal Work" ensures that individuals receive fair wages for performing the same job, regardless of their gender, caste, or other characteristics. This principle promotes social justice by preventing wage discrimination.

Q6: Explain the concept of "Reservation" as a social justice measure in India.
Ans: Reservation is a social justice measure in India aimed at providing opportunities to historically disadvantaged groups, such as Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Through reservation, a certain percentage of seats in educational institutions and government jobs are reserved for these groups. This policy aims to address historical injustices, promote equal representation, and uplift marginalized communities by giving them access to education and employment opportunities they might have been denied in the past.

Q7: Describe the significance of the Right to Education (RTE) Act in promoting social justice.
Ans: The Right to Education (RTE) Act is a significant step towards promoting social justice in India. This act mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years, ensuring that all children, irrespective of their socio-economic background, have the right to quality education. It addresses the disparity in educational opportunities by ensuring access to education for marginalized and economically disadvantaged groups.

Q8: Explain one example of how the legal system can be used to address social justice issues.
Ans: One example of using the legal system to address a social justice issue is by taking legal action against hate crimes or discriminatory practices. When individuals or groups are targeted based on factors like their religion, caste, gender, or ethnicity, it goes against the principles of social justice. Legal mechanisms, such as anti-discrimination laws, can be invoked to bring the perpetrators to justice and provide relief to the victims.

Q9: What is the importance of public interest litigation (PIL) in promoting social justice?
Ans: Public interest litigation (PIL) plays a crucial role in promoting social justice by allowing individuals or groups to raise issues of public importance in the courts. It enables citizens to seek justice for marginalized communities, environmental concerns, human rights violations, and other societal issues that may not be adequately addressed through regular litigation. PIL empowers citizens to challenge policies or practices that perpetuate injustice, leading to systemic changes for the betterment of society.

Q10: How does the concept of "Rule of Law" contribute to social justice?
Ans: The concept of "Rule of Law" is essential for promoting social justice as it ensures that laws are applied equally to all individuals, regardless of their social or economic status. This prevents arbitrary exercises of power and provides a framework where everyone can seek legal protection and redressal. When laws are consistently enforced, it helps create a just and fair society where all members have access to the same rights and opportunities.

Q11: Explain the concept of "Rule of Law" and its significance in upholding social justice.
Ans: The "Rule of Law" denotes a principle where laws are supreme and apply equally to all individuals, including government authorities. It ensures that no one is above the law and protects citizens from arbitrary actions. In the context of social justice, the Rule of Law plays a vital role by preventing discrimination and ensuring fairness. It guarantees that legal processes are transparent, accessible, and unbiased, regardless of a person's social, economic, or political status. This principle safeguards individual rights and promotes social harmony, creating a just and equitable society where everyone is subject to the same laws.

Q12: Discuss the importance of access to justice in promoting social equality.
Ans: Access to justice is essential for promoting social equality as it enables marginalized individuals to seek remedies for injustices they face. It ensures that legal processes are affordable, efficient, and understandable, so that everyone, regardless of their socio-economic background, can assert their rights. When access to justice is ensured, it empowers marginalized groups to challenge discriminatory practices and unfair policies. This helps in reducing inequalities and promoting a more equitable society where everyone has an equal opportunity to seek legal recourse and defend their rights.

Q13: Examine the role of the judiciary in upholding social justice.
Ans: The judiciary plays a pivotal role in upholding social justice by interpreting and applying laws impartially. It ensures that laws are not only in accordance with the constitution but also serve the cause of justice. The judiciary acts as a check against potential abuse of power and violation of rights. It settles disputes, enforces contracts, and safeguards individual rights. Through its judgments, the judiciary sets precedents that shape legal principles and protect vulnerable sections of society. By providing a fair and impartial forum for resolving disputes, the judiciary contributes significantly to maintaining social justice.

Q14: Elaborate on the significance of human rights in ensuring social justice.
Ans: Human rights are essential for ensuring social justice as they establish a framework of inherent rights and freedoms that every individual is entitled to, regardless of their background. They prohibit discrimination, torture, and unjust treatment. By ensuring that basic needs like education, healthcare, and livelihood are guaranteed, human rights promote equal opportunities. These rights empower individuals to challenge oppressive systems and advocate for social change. In a society where human rights are respected, social justice prevails, as all members are treated with dignity and equity, leading to a more inclusive and harmonious environment.

Q15: Explain the concept of "Justice Delayed is Justice Denied" and its implications for a just society.
Ans: "Justice Delayed is Justice Denied" means that when legal proceedings are prolonged, justice loses its value and effectiveness. In the context of social justice, delays in legal processes can result in prolonged suffering and denial of rights to marginalized individuals. Delays can deter people from seeking justice and erode public trust in the system. A just society requires timely and efficient legal processes to ensure that rights are protected and injustices are addressed promptly. Delayed justice can perpetuate inequalities, making it imperative to streamline legal procedures and uphold the principle of swift and fair justice for all.