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LEGAL STUDIES (2023- 24) 
Class XI-XII 
(Subject Code No. 074) 
Rationale 
The Latin maxim ignorantia juris neminem excusat, in plain, which reads as ‘ignorance of law 
is not an excuse’. This is one of the age-old principles followed under Roman Law and even in 
our own Common Law. If every person of discretion is to know what law is, an effort to teach 
law outside the remit of a professional law school may have significant social benefits. 
Law is a subject that has been traditionally taught in Universities for almost eight centuries. 
Learning law outside the settings of a professional law school has a number of perceived 
benefits. Some familiarity with the law enhances one’s understanding of public affairs and an 
awareness of one’s entitlements and duties as a citizen. It may also be helpful in eliminating 
some of the mistaken notions about law and some of the inveterate prejudices about law, lawyers, 
and the legal system as such. Another advantage is that an understanding of the law can 
undoubtedly encourage talented students to pursue a career in law – an objective that is laudable 
in its own right. 
The pitfalls of learning law outside the settings of a professional school are rooted in two key 
assumptions: 
1. law is too vast and complicated to be taught in a non-professional setting; 
2. the lack of professional trainers and experienced teachers could lead to incorrect 
appreciation and understanding of law. If an understanding of law is misinformed or ill-
formed as some academicians think, it may require greater efforts to unlearn whatever 
was learnt earlier. Both these criticisms have attracted detailed scrutiny, but at least a few 
countries have introduced law at the High School level. 
The experience of countries that have introduced law has been by and large optimistic. The 
Central Board of Secondary Education is introducing Legal Studies at the Class XI level. The 
proposal is to introduce one module in Class XI and a second module in Class XII. 
Objectives 
? To provide a background of the evolution of the Indian legal system in a short and concise 
form. 
? To focus on the applicability of justice, equity and good conscience and more importantly 
the development of Common Law system in India. 
? To provide exposure on various systems of law such as Common Law, Civil Law etc. 
? To develop an understanding of the essential features of the Indian Constitution, including 
the role and importance of Fundamental Rights, Separation of Powers, Structure and 
operation of Courts, concept of precedent in judicial functioning, the of legislation, basic 
principles of statutory interpretation, etc. 
Page 2


LEGAL STUDIES (2023- 24) 
Class XI-XII 
(Subject Code No. 074) 
Rationale 
The Latin maxim ignorantia juris neminem excusat, in plain, which reads as ‘ignorance of law 
is not an excuse’. This is one of the age-old principles followed under Roman Law and even in 
our own Common Law. If every person of discretion is to know what law is, an effort to teach 
law outside the remit of a professional law school may have significant social benefits. 
Law is a subject that has been traditionally taught in Universities for almost eight centuries. 
Learning law outside the settings of a professional law school has a number of perceived 
benefits. Some familiarity with the law enhances one’s understanding of public affairs and an 
awareness of one’s entitlements and duties as a citizen. It may also be helpful in eliminating 
some of the mistaken notions about law and some of the inveterate prejudices about law, lawyers, 
and the legal system as such. Another advantage is that an understanding of the law can 
undoubtedly encourage talented students to pursue a career in law – an objective that is laudable 
in its own right. 
The pitfalls of learning law outside the settings of a professional school are rooted in two key 
assumptions: 
1. law is too vast and complicated to be taught in a non-professional setting; 
2. the lack of professional trainers and experienced teachers could lead to incorrect 
appreciation and understanding of law. If an understanding of law is misinformed or ill-
formed as some academicians think, it may require greater efforts to unlearn whatever 
was learnt earlier. Both these criticisms have attracted detailed scrutiny, but at least a few 
countries have introduced law at the High School level. 
The experience of countries that have introduced law has been by and large optimistic. The 
Central Board of Secondary Education is introducing Legal Studies at the Class XI level. The 
proposal is to introduce one module in Class XI and a second module in Class XII. 
Objectives 
? To provide a background of the evolution of the Indian legal system in a short and concise 
form. 
? To focus on the applicability of justice, equity and good conscience and more importantly 
the development of Common Law system in India. 
? To provide exposure on various systems of law such as Common Law, Civil Law etc. 
? To develop an understanding of the essential features of the Indian Constitution, including 
the role and importance of Fundamental Rights, Separation of Powers, Structure and 
operation of Courts, concept of precedent in judicial functioning, the of legislation, basic 
principles of statutory interpretation, etc. 
1 
? To deal with principles of practical utility such as the concept of Rule of Law, principles of 
justice, differences between criminal and civil cases, the concept of crime and the 
fundamental theories of punishment, rights available to the accused at various stages of the 
criminal investigative process, or the key components of Human Rights, etc. 
? To understand the fundamental concepts and subject matter of property, contract and tort 
law. 
? To understand the rudimentary aspects of contract law such as formation of contract, terms 
and conditions of contracts, discharge of contract, etc. 
? To enable students to form an understanding of rights and duties and various categories of 
liability principles which form the bedrock for an understanding of Law. 
 
Competencies expected after this course: 
Students will be able to: 
? acquire knowledge of legal theory, laws, legal procedure, drafting, interpretation and 
application of laws; 
? identify legal issues from facts, differentiate between ratio decidendi and obiter dicta; 
? ask relevant and probing questions to understand the differences among facts, opinions, 
analyze judgments and recognize and meaningfully respond to legal fallacies; 
? apply the law, and draw conclusions by applying analytical reasoning; 
? apply knowledge and understanding of law, legal theory and procedure to solve legal 
problems; 
? evaluate, seek feedback and modify solutions to legal problems; 
? carry out legal research; 
? acquire values such as justice, fairness, openness, honesty, integrity, respect for diversity, 
and respect for the rule of law; and 
? prepare themselves for pursuing higher education in the field of Law 
 
Class XI (2023 –2024) 
(BASED ON REVISED BOOK WITH NEW CHAPTERS) 
(Textbook Revised in the Academic Year 2022-2023) 
 
S.No.         Units Periods Marks 
1 Introduction to Political Institutions 40 15 
2 Basic Features of The Constitution of India 40 15 
3 Jurisprudence, Nature and Sources of Laws 40 15 
4 Judiciary: Constitutional, Civil and Criminal Courts and Processes 40 20 
5 Family Justice System 40 15 
6 Project 20 20 
  Total 220 100 
Page 3


LEGAL STUDIES (2023- 24) 
Class XI-XII 
(Subject Code No. 074) 
Rationale 
The Latin maxim ignorantia juris neminem excusat, in plain, which reads as ‘ignorance of law 
is not an excuse’. This is one of the age-old principles followed under Roman Law and even in 
our own Common Law. If every person of discretion is to know what law is, an effort to teach 
law outside the remit of a professional law school may have significant social benefits. 
Law is a subject that has been traditionally taught in Universities for almost eight centuries. 
Learning law outside the settings of a professional law school has a number of perceived 
benefits. Some familiarity with the law enhances one’s understanding of public affairs and an 
awareness of one’s entitlements and duties as a citizen. It may also be helpful in eliminating 
some of the mistaken notions about law and some of the inveterate prejudices about law, lawyers, 
and the legal system as such. Another advantage is that an understanding of the law can 
undoubtedly encourage talented students to pursue a career in law – an objective that is laudable 
in its own right. 
The pitfalls of learning law outside the settings of a professional school are rooted in two key 
assumptions: 
1. law is too vast and complicated to be taught in a non-professional setting; 
2. the lack of professional trainers and experienced teachers could lead to incorrect 
appreciation and understanding of law. If an understanding of law is misinformed or ill-
formed as some academicians think, it may require greater efforts to unlearn whatever 
was learnt earlier. Both these criticisms have attracted detailed scrutiny, but at least a few 
countries have introduced law at the High School level. 
The experience of countries that have introduced law has been by and large optimistic. The 
Central Board of Secondary Education is introducing Legal Studies at the Class XI level. The 
proposal is to introduce one module in Class XI and a second module in Class XII. 
Objectives 
? To provide a background of the evolution of the Indian legal system in a short and concise 
form. 
? To focus on the applicability of justice, equity and good conscience and more importantly 
the development of Common Law system in India. 
? To provide exposure on various systems of law such as Common Law, Civil Law etc. 
? To develop an understanding of the essential features of the Indian Constitution, including 
the role and importance of Fundamental Rights, Separation of Powers, Structure and 
operation of Courts, concept of precedent in judicial functioning, the of legislation, basic 
principles of statutory interpretation, etc. 
1 
? To deal with principles of practical utility such as the concept of Rule of Law, principles of 
justice, differences between criminal and civil cases, the concept of crime and the 
fundamental theories of punishment, rights available to the accused at various stages of the 
criminal investigative process, or the key components of Human Rights, etc. 
? To understand the fundamental concepts and subject matter of property, contract and tort 
law. 
? To understand the rudimentary aspects of contract law such as formation of contract, terms 
and conditions of contracts, discharge of contract, etc. 
? To enable students to form an understanding of rights and duties and various categories of 
liability principles which form the bedrock for an understanding of Law. 
 
Competencies expected after this course: 
Students will be able to: 
? acquire knowledge of legal theory, laws, legal procedure, drafting, interpretation and 
application of laws; 
? identify legal issues from facts, differentiate between ratio decidendi and obiter dicta; 
? ask relevant and probing questions to understand the differences among facts, opinions, 
analyze judgments and recognize and meaningfully respond to legal fallacies; 
? apply the law, and draw conclusions by applying analytical reasoning; 
? apply knowledge and understanding of law, legal theory and procedure to solve legal 
problems; 
? evaluate, seek feedback and modify solutions to legal problems; 
? carry out legal research; 
? acquire values such as justice, fairness, openness, honesty, integrity, respect for diversity, 
and respect for the rule of law; and 
? prepare themselves for pursuing higher education in the field of Law 
 
Class XI (2023 –2024) 
(BASED ON REVISED BOOK WITH NEW CHAPTERS) 
(Textbook Revised in the Academic Year 2022-2023) 
 
S.No.         Units Periods Marks 
1 Introduction to Political Institutions 40 15 
2 Basic Features of The Constitution of India 40 15 
3 Jurisprudence, Nature and Sources of Laws 40 15 
4 Judiciary: Constitutional, Civil and Criminal Courts and Processes 40 20 
5 Family Justice System 40 15 
6 Project 20 20 
  Total 220 100 
2 
CONTENT- 
S No. Unit Topics 
Unit 1 Introduction to Political Institutions 
Chapter 1 Concept of 
State 
i. What is a State? 
ii. The concept of State and Article 12 of the Indian Constitution 
iii. What is Government? 
iv. Emergence of the State from Society 
v. Definition of State 
vi. Theories on the Origin of State 
vii. Elements of a State 
viii. Role of a State 
  
2 Forms and 
Organs of 
Government 
i. Introduction to the Organs of Government 
ii. Forms of Government 
a) Monarchy 
b) Aristocracy 
c) Dictatorship 
d) Democracy 
iii. Main organs of Government and its functions 
a) General Functions of Legislature as Organ of Government 
b) General Functions of Executive as Organ of Government 
c) General Functions of Judiciary as Organ of Government 
3 Separation of 
Powers 
i. Concept of Separation of Powers 
ii. Historical Background and Evolution of Montesquieu’s Doctrine of 
Separation of Powers 
a) Montesquieu’s Doctrine of Separation of Powers 
b) Basic Features of the Doctrine of Separation of Powers as 
enunciated by Montesquieu 
c) Checks and Balances of Power 
d) Impact of the Doctrine 
iii. Evaluation of The Doctrine of Separation of Powers 
a) Key Benefits and Advantages of The Doctrine of Separation of 
Powers 
b) Defects of the Doctrine 
iv. Separation of Powers In Practice 
a) Separation of Powers in Britain 
b) Separation of Powers in the United States of America 
c) Separation of Powers in India 
Unit 2 Basic features of the Constitution of India  
1 Salient 
Features of the 
Constitution of 
India 
i. Meaning of the term Constitution 
ii. Definition of the term Constitution 
iii. Historical Perspective of the Constitution of India 
iv. Salient Features of the Constitution of India 
a) Modern Constitution 
b) Lengthiest written Constitution 
c) Preamble to the Constitution 
d) Fundamental Rights; Directive Principles of State Policy; 
Fundamental Duties 
e) Constitutional Provision for Amendment of the  Constitution of India 
f) Adult Suffrage 
Page 4


LEGAL STUDIES (2023- 24) 
Class XI-XII 
(Subject Code No. 074) 
Rationale 
The Latin maxim ignorantia juris neminem excusat, in plain, which reads as ‘ignorance of law 
is not an excuse’. This is one of the age-old principles followed under Roman Law and even in 
our own Common Law. If every person of discretion is to know what law is, an effort to teach 
law outside the remit of a professional law school may have significant social benefits. 
Law is a subject that has been traditionally taught in Universities for almost eight centuries. 
Learning law outside the settings of a professional law school has a number of perceived 
benefits. Some familiarity with the law enhances one’s understanding of public affairs and an 
awareness of one’s entitlements and duties as a citizen. It may also be helpful in eliminating 
some of the mistaken notions about law and some of the inveterate prejudices about law, lawyers, 
and the legal system as such. Another advantage is that an understanding of the law can 
undoubtedly encourage talented students to pursue a career in law – an objective that is laudable 
in its own right. 
The pitfalls of learning law outside the settings of a professional school are rooted in two key 
assumptions: 
1. law is too vast and complicated to be taught in a non-professional setting; 
2. the lack of professional trainers and experienced teachers could lead to incorrect 
appreciation and understanding of law. If an understanding of law is misinformed or ill-
formed as some academicians think, it may require greater efforts to unlearn whatever 
was learnt earlier. Both these criticisms have attracted detailed scrutiny, but at least a few 
countries have introduced law at the High School level. 
The experience of countries that have introduced law has been by and large optimistic. The 
Central Board of Secondary Education is introducing Legal Studies at the Class XI level. The 
proposal is to introduce one module in Class XI and a second module in Class XII. 
Objectives 
? To provide a background of the evolution of the Indian legal system in a short and concise 
form. 
? To focus on the applicability of justice, equity and good conscience and more importantly 
the development of Common Law system in India. 
? To provide exposure on various systems of law such as Common Law, Civil Law etc. 
? To develop an understanding of the essential features of the Indian Constitution, including 
the role and importance of Fundamental Rights, Separation of Powers, Structure and 
operation of Courts, concept of precedent in judicial functioning, the of legislation, basic 
principles of statutory interpretation, etc. 
1 
? To deal with principles of practical utility such as the concept of Rule of Law, principles of 
justice, differences between criminal and civil cases, the concept of crime and the 
fundamental theories of punishment, rights available to the accused at various stages of the 
criminal investigative process, or the key components of Human Rights, etc. 
? To understand the fundamental concepts and subject matter of property, contract and tort 
law. 
? To understand the rudimentary aspects of contract law such as formation of contract, terms 
and conditions of contracts, discharge of contract, etc. 
? To enable students to form an understanding of rights and duties and various categories of 
liability principles which form the bedrock for an understanding of Law. 
 
Competencies expected after this course: 
Students will be able to: 
? acquire knowledge of legal theory, laws, legal procedure, drafting, interpretation and 
application of laws; 
? identify legal issues from facts, differentiate between ratio decidendi and obiter dicta; 
? ask relevant and probing questions to understand the differences among facts, opinions, 
analyze judgments and recognize and meaningfully respond to legal fallacies; 
? apply the law, and draw conclusions by applying analytical reasoning; 
? apply knowledge and understanding of law, legal theory and procedure to solve legal 
problems; 
? evaluate, seek feedback and modify solutions to legal problems; 
? carry out legal research; 
? acquire values such as justice, fairness, openness, honesty, integrity, respect for diversity, 
and respect for the rule of law; and 
? prepare themselves for pursuing higher education in the field of Law 
 
Class XI (2023 –2024) 
(BASED ON REVISED BOOK WITH NEW CHAPTERS) 
(Textbook Revised in the Academic Year 2022-2023) 
 
S.No.         Units Periods Marks 
1 Introduction to Political Institutions 40 15 
2 Basic Features of The Constitution of India 40 15 
3 Jurisprudence, Nature and Sources of Laws 40 15 
4 Judiciary: Constitutional, Civil and Criminal Courts and Processes 40 20 
5 Family Justice System 40 15 
6 Project 20 20 
  Total 220 100 
2 
CONTENT- 
S No. Unit Topics 
Unit 1 Introduction to Political Institutions 
Chapter 1 Concept of 
State 
i. What is a State? 
ii. The concept of State and Article 12 of the Indian Constitution 
iii. What is Government? 
iv. Emergence of the State from Society 
v. Definition of State 
vi. Theories on the Origin of State 
vii. Elements of a State 
viii. Role of a State 
  
2 Forms and 
Organs of 
Government 
i. Introduction to the Organs of Government 
ii. Forms of Government 
a) Monarchy 
b) Aristocracy 
c) Dictatorship 
d) Democracy 
iii. Main organs of Government and its functions 
a) General Functions of Legislature as Organ of Government 
b) General Functions of Executive as Organ of Government 
c) General Functions of Judiciary as Organ of Government 
3 Separation of 
Powers 
i. Concept of Separation of Powers 
ii. Historical Background and Evolution of Montesquieu’s Doctrine of 
Separation of Powers 
a) Montesquieu’s Doctrine of Separation of Powers 
b) Basic Features of the Doctrine of Separation of Powers as 
enunciated by Montesquieu 
c) Checks and Balances of Power 
d) Impact of the Doctrine 
iii. Evaluation of The Doctrine of Separation of Powers 
a) Key Benefits and Advantages of The Doctrine of Separation of 
Powers 
b) Defects of the Doctrine 
iv. Separation of Powers In Practice 
a) Separation of Powers in Britain 
b) Separation of Powers in the United States of America 
c) Separation of Powers in India 
Unit 2 Basic features of the Constitution of India  
1 Salient 
Features of the 
Constitution of 
India 
i. Meaning of the term Constitution 
ii. Definition of the term Constitution 
iii. Historical Perspective of the Constitution of India 
iv. Salient Features of the Constitution of India 
a) Modern Constitution 
b) Lengthiest written Constitution 
c) Preamble to the Constitution 
d) Fundamental Rights; Directive Principles of State Policy; 
Fundamental Duties 
e) Constitutional Provision for Amendment of the  Constitution of India 
f) Adult Suffrage 
3 
g) Single Citizenship 
h) Independent Judiciary 
i) Emergency Provision 
j) Federal in form Unitary in character 
k) Division of Power- Centre- State Relations 
l) Schedules to the Constitution 
2 Administrative 
law 
i. Background 
ii. Administrative Law and Constitutional Law: Key Differences 
iii. Reasons for Growth, Development and Study of Administrative law 
iv. Types of Administrative Actions 
v. Fundamental Principle of Administrative Law: Rule of Law 
vi. Droit System  
Unit 3 Jurisprudence, Nature and Sources of Law 
1 Jurisprudence, 
Nature and 
Meaning of 
Law 
i. Introduction 
ii. Historical Perspective 
iii. Schools of Law 
iv. Function and Purpose of Law 
2 Classification 
of Laws 
i. Classification of  law based on Subject matter 
ii. Classification of  law based on Scope of Law 
iii. Classification of  law based on Jurisdiction 
3 Sources of 
Laws 
i. Where does law come from? 
ii. Custom as a Source of  Law 
iii. Importance of Custom as a Source of  Law in India 
iv. Judicial Precedent as a Source of  Law 
v. Legislation as a Source of  Law 
4 Law Reform i. Need for Law Reform 
ii. Law Reforms in India 
iii. Recent Law Reforms in Independent India 
5 Cyber Laws, 
Safety and 
Security in 
India 
i. Introduction 
ii. Why do we need Cyber Laws? 
iii. What is Cyber law? 
iv. What is Cyber safety and Security? 
v. What is Cyber-crime? 
vi. Categories of  Cyber-crime 
vii. Cyber law in India 
viii. Scope or Extent of The Information Technology Act, 2000(IT Act) 
ix. What was Section 66A IT Act, 2000? 
Unit 4 Judiciary: Constitutional, Civil and Criminal Courts and Processes 
 Judiciary: 
Constitutional, 
Civil and 
Criminal 
Courts and 
Processes 
i. Introduction: Establishment of the Supreme Court and High Courts 
ii. Constitution, Roles and Impartiality 
a) Independence and Impartiality of the Supreme Court 
b) Structure and Hierarchy of the Courts in India 
c) The Civil Process and functioning of Civil Courts 
iii. The Civil Court Structure 
a) Common Legal Terminologies 
b) Types of Jurisdictions 
c) Res subjudice and Res judicata in Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 
Page 5


LEGAL STUDIES (2023- 24) 
Class XI-XII 
(Subject Code No. 074) 
Rationale 
The Latin maxim ignorantia juris neminem excusat, in plain, which reads as ‘ignorance of law 
is not an excuse’. This is one of the age-old principles followed under Roman Law and even in 
our own Common Law. If every person of discretion is to know what law is, an effort to teach 
law outside the remit of a professional law school may have significant social benefits. 
Law is a subject that has been traditionally taught in Universities for almost eight centuries. 
Learning law outside the settings of a professional law school has a number of perceived 
benefits. Some familiarity with the law enhances one’s understanding of public affairs and an 
awareness of one’s entitlements and duties as a citizen. It may also be helpful in eliminating 
some of the mistaken notions about law and some of the inveterate prejudices about law, lawyers, 
and the legal system as such. Another advantage is that an understanding of the law can 
undoubtedly encourage talented students to pursue a career in law – an objective that is laudable 
in its own right. 
The pitfalls of learning law outside the settings of a professional school are rooted in two key 
assumptions: 
1. law is too vast and complicated to be taught in a non-professional setting; 
2. the lack of professional trainers and experienced teachers could lead to incorrect 
appreciation and understanding of law. If an understanding of law is misinformed or ill-
formed as some academicians think, it may require greater efforts to unlearn whatever 
was learnt earlier. Both these criticisms have attracted detailed scrutiny, but at least a few 
countries have introduced law at the High School level. 
The experience of countries that have introduced law has been by and large optimistic. The 
Central Board of Secondary Education is introducing Legal Studies at the Class XI level. The 
proposal is to introduce one module in Class XI and a second module in Class XII. 
Objectives 
? To provide a background of the evolution of the Indian legal system in a short and concise 
form. 
? To focus on the applicability of justice, equity and good conscience and more importantly 
the development of Common Law system in India. 
? To provide exposure on various systems of law such as Common Law, Civil Law etc. 
? To develop an understanding of the essential features of the Indian Constitution, including 
the role and importance of Fundamental Rights, Separation of Powers, Structure and 
operation of Courts, concept of precedent in judicial functioning, the of legislation, basic 
principles of statutory interpretation, etc. 
1 
? To deal with principles of practical utility such as the concept of Rule of Law, principles of 
justice, differences between criminal and civil cases, the concept of crime and the 
fundamental theories of punishment, rights available to the accused at various stages of the 
criminal investigative process, or the key components of Human Rights, etc. 
? To understand the fundamental concepts and subject matter of property, contract and tort 
law. 
? To understand the rudimentary aspects of contract law such as formation of contract, terms 
and conditions of contracts, discharge of contract, etc. 
? To enable students to form an understanding of rights and duties and various categories of 
liability principles which form the bedrock for an understanding of Law. 
 
Competencies expected after this course: 
Students will be able to: 
? acquire knowledge of legal theory, laws, legal procedure, drafting, interpretation and 
application of laws; 
? identify legal issues from facts, differentiate between ratio decidendi and obiter dicta; 
? ask relevant and probing questions to understand the differences among facts, opinions, 
analyze judgments and recognize and meaningfully respond to legal fallacies; 
? apply the law, and draw conclusions by applying analytical reasoning; 
? apply knowledge and understanding of law, legal theory and procedure to solve legal 
problems; 
? evaluate, seek feedback and modify solutions to legal problems; 
? carry out legal research; 
? acquire values such as justice, fairness, openness, honesty, integrity, respect for diversity, 
and respect for the rule of law; and 
? prepare themselves for pursuing higher education in the field of Law 
 
Class XI (2023 –2024) 
(BASED ON REVISED BOOK WITH NEW CHAPTERS) 
(Textbook Revised in the Academic Year 2022-2023) 
 
S.No.         Units Periods Marks 
1 Introduction to Political Institutions 40 15 
2 Basic Features of The Constitution of India 40 15 
3 Jurisprudence, Nature and Sources of Laws 40 15 
4 Judiciary: Constitutional, Civil and Criminal Courts and Processes 40 20 
5 Family Justice System 40 15 
6 Project 20 20 
  Total 220 100 
2 
CONTENT- 
S No. Unit Topics 
Unit 1 Introduction to Political Institutions 
Chapter 1 Concept of 
State 
i. What is a State? 
ii. The concept of State and Article 12 of the Indian Constitution 
iii. What is Government? 
iv. Emergence of the State from Society 
v. Definition of State 
vi. Theories on the Origin of State 
vii. Elements of a State 
viii. Role of a State 
  
2 Forms and 
Organs of 
Government 
i. Introduction to the Organs of Government 
ii. Forms of Government 
a) Monarchy 
b) Aristocracy 
c) Dictatorship 
d) Democracy 
iii. Main organs of Government and its functions 
a) General Functions of Legislature as Organ of Government 
b) General Functions of Executive as Organ of Government 
c) General Functions of Judiciary as Organ of Government 
3 Separation of 
Powers 
i. Concept of Separation of Powers 
ii. Historical Background and Evolution of Montesquieu’s Doctrine of 
Separation of Powers 
a) Montesquieu’s Doctrine of Separation of Powers 
b) Basic Features of the Doctrine of Separation of Powers as 
enunciated by Montesquieu 
c) Checks and Balances of Power 
d) Impact of the Doctrine 
iii. Evaluation of The Doctrine of Separation of Powers 
a) Key Benefits and Advantages of The Doctrine of Separation of 
Powers 
b) Defects of the Doctrine 
iv. Separation of Powers In Practice 
a) Separation of Powers in Britain 
b) Separation of Powers in the United States of America 
c) Separation of Powers in India 
Unit 2 Basic features of the Constitution of India  
1 Salient 
Features of the 
Constitution of 
India 
i. Meaning of the term Constitution 
ii. Definition of the term Constitution 
iii. Historical Perspective of the Constitution of India 
iv. Salient Features of the Constitution of India 
a) Modern Constitution 
b) Lengthiest written Constitution 
c) Preamble to the Constitution 
d) Fundamental Rights; Directive Principles of State Policy; 
Fundamental Duties 
e) Constitutional Provision for Amendment of the  Constitution of India 
f) Adult Suffrage 
3 
g) Single Citizenship 
h) Independent Judiciary 
i) Emergency Provision 
j) Federal in form Unitary in character 
k) Division of Power- Centre- State Relations 
l) Schedules to the Constitution 
2 Administrative 
law 
i. Background 
ii. Administrative Law and Constitutional Law: Key Differences 
iii. Reasons for Growth, Development and Study of Administrative law 
iv. Types of Administrative Actions 
v. Fundamental Principle of Administrative Law: Rule of Law 
vi. Droit System  
Unit 3 Jurisprudence, Nature and Sources of Law 
1 Jurisprudence, 
Nature and 
Meaning of 
Law 
i. Introduction 
ii. Historical Perspective 
iii. Schools of Law 
iv. Function and Purpose of Law 
2 Classification 
of Laws 
i. Classification of  law based on Subject matter 
ii. Classification of  law based on Scope of Law 
iii. Classification of  law based on Jurisdiction 
3 Sources of 
Laws 
i. Where does law come from? 
ii. Custom as a Source of  Law 
iii. Importance of Custom as a Source of  Law in India 
iv. Judicial Precedent as a Source of  Law 
v. Legislation as a Source of  Law 
4 Law Reform i. Need for Law Reform 
ii. Law Reforms in India 
iii. Recent Law Reforms in Independent India 
5 Cyber Laws, 
Safety and 
Security in 
India 
i. Introduction 
ii. Why do we need Cyber Laws? 
iii. What is Cyber law? 
iv. What is Cyber safety and Security? 
v. What is Cyber-crime? 
vi. Categories of  Cyber-crime 
vii. Cyber law in India 
viii. Scope or Extent of The Information Technology Act, 2000(IT Act) 
ix. What was Section 66A IT Act, 2000? 
Unit 4 Judiciary: Constitutional, Civil and Criminal Courts and Processes 
 Judiciary: 
Constitutional, 
Civil and 
Criminal 
Courts and 
Processes 
i. Introduction: Establishment of the Supreme Court and High Courts 
ii. Constitution, Roles and Impartiality 
a) Independence and Impartiality of the Supreme Court 
b) Structure and Hierarchy of the Courts in India 
c) The Civil Process and functioning of Civil Courts 
iii. The Civil Court Structure 
a) Common Legal Terminologies 
b) Types of Jurisdictions 
c) Res subjudice and Res judicata in Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 
4 
iv. Structure and Functioning of Criminal Courts in India 
a) Types of  Offences 
b) Criminal Investigations and First Information Report (FIR) 
c) Criminal Process- Investigation and Prosecution 
d) Doctrine of autrefois acquit and autrefois convict (i.e. previously 
acquitted and previously convicted) 
e) Function and Role of Police 
v. Other Courts In India 
a) Family Courts 
b) Administrative Tribunals 
 
Unit 5 Family Justice System 
1 Institutional 
Framework- 
Marriage and 
Divorce 
i. Nature of Family Laws in India 
ii. Human Rights and Gender Perspective 
iii. Institutional Framework- Family Courts 
iv. Role of Women in the creation of  Family Courts 
v. Role of  Lawyers and Counselors in Family Courts 
vi. Role of  Counselors and Gender Issues 
vii. Marriage and Divorce 
2 Child Rights i. Child Rights 
ii. Right to Education 
iii. Right to Health 
iv. Right to Shelter 
v. Child Labour 
vi. Sexual Abuse 
vii. Juvenile Justice 
3 Adoption i. Adoption 
ii. Minor custody and Guardianship                                                                            
4 Property, 
Succession 
and 
Inheritance 
i. Concept of Property: Joint Family Property and Separate Property 
ii. Inheritance and Succession 
iii. Intestate Succession 
iv. Rules relating to Intestate Succession 
v. Testamentary Succession    
5 Prevention of 
Violence 
against 
Women 
i. What is Domestic abuse / violence? 
ii. International Legal Framework 
iii. III. Laws in India on Prevention of  Violence against Women 
 PROJECT WORK- One Project 
  
                 
  
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FAQs on Syllabus: Legal Studies for Class 11 - Legal Studies for Class 11 - Humanities/Arts

1. What is legal studies?
Ans. Legal studies is a field of study that focuses on the principles and systems of law. It involves the analysis of different legal concepts, such as legislation, case law, and legal institutions, and aims to provide an understanding of how the law operates within society.
2. What are the benefits of studying legal studies in Class 11?
Ans. Studying legal studies in Class 11 offers several benefits. Firstly, it provides a foundational knowledge of the legal system, which can be useful for those considering a career in law. Additionally, it helps develop critical thinking and analytical skills, enhances understanding of rights and responsibilities, and promotes an awareness of legal issues in society.
3. What topics are covered in the legal studies syllabus for Class 11?
Ans. The legal studies syllabus for Class 11 typically covers a wide range of topics. These may include an introduction to law, the Indian legal system, the Constitution of India, fundamental rights and duties, legal procedures, criminal law, civil law, family law, contract law, and consumer protection.
4. How can legal studies in Class 11 contribute to personal growth?
Ans. Legal studies in Class 11 can contribute to personal growth in several ways. It helps students develop a sense of justice and fairness, enhances their understanding of ethics and morality, improves their ability to analyze arguments and make informed decisions, and promotes a greater awareness of their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
5. Are there any career opportunities for students studying legal studies in Class 11?
Ans. Yes, there are various career opportunities for students studying legal studies in Class 11. While pursuing higher education in law can lead to becoming a lawyer or judge, legal studies also provide a strong foundation for careers in fields such as legal research, legal consulting, corporate law, human resources, public administration, and advocacy work in non-governmental organizations.
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