Chapter-4 Law of Torts — Online MCQ Test
LEGAL STUDIES · Grade 12 · CBSE(NCERT)
Practice Chapter-4 Law of Torts with a free chapter-wise online MCQ test.
This chapter covers: torts - negligence - defamation - civil wrongs - strict liability - absolute liability.
AI-generated questions from basic to board-exam level, with instant results and explanations.
Chapter-4 Law of Torts — Important Questions & Answers
What is a tort?
- A. A civil wrong that causes injury or loss to another person
- B. A criminal offense punishable by imprisonment
- C. A contractual breach between two parties
- D. A violation of constitutional rights only
Answer: A. A civil wrong that causes injury or loss to another person
A tort is a civil wrong (not criminal) that causes injury or loss and entitles the victim to claim damages from the wrongdoer.
A tort is a civil wrong (not criminal) that causes injury or loss and entitles the victim to claim damages from the wrongdoer.
Which of the following is an essential element of negligence?
- A. Duty of care, breach of duty, and causation
- B. Only intentional harm
- C. Malice and intention
- D. Contractual relationship between parties
Answer: A. Duty of care, breach of duty, and causation
Negligence requires three key elements: duty of care owed to the plaintiff, breach of that duty, and proximate causation linking the breach to actual damage.
Negligence requires three key elements: duty of care owed to the plaintiff, breach of that duty, and proximate causation linking the breach to actual damage.
What is defamation?
- A. Publishing false statements that damage a person's reputation
- B. Expressing one's honest opinion about someone
- C. Making critical remarks in court
- D. Breach of confidentiality agreement
Answer: A. Publishing false statements that damage a person's reputation
Defamation is the act of publishing false statements (either spoken as slander or written as libel) that injure a person's reputation and cause loss.
Defamation is the act of publishing false statements (either spoken as slander or written as libel) that injure a person's reputation and cause loss.
Strict liability differs from negligence because it:
- A. Does not require proof of negligence or fault
- B. Requires intentional harm
- C. Only applies to contractual disputes
- D. Requires the victim to prove gross negligence
Answer: A. Does not require proof of negligence or fault
Strict liability holds a person responsible for damages regardless of negligence or fault, based solely on the harmful act itself.
Strict liability holds a person responsible for damages regardless of negligence or fault, based solely on the harmful act itself.
A manufacturer produces a defective product that injures a consumer. What type of liability applies?
- A. Strict liability
- B. Negligence only
- C. Criminal liability only
- D. No liability as consumer accepted the risk
Answer: A. Strict liability
Manufacturers are held under strict liability for defective products that cause injury, regardless of whether negligence is proven.
Manufacturers are held under strict liability for defective products that cause injury, regardless of whether negligence is proven.
A doctor prescribes wrong medication to a patient, causing harm. Which tort applies?
- A. Negligence
- B. Defamation
- C. Strict liability
- D. Absolute liability
Answer: A. Negligence
Medical malpractice is a form of negligence where a healthcare professional fails to exercise the standard of care required by the profession.
Medical malpractice is a form of negligence where a healthcare professional fails to exercise the standard of care required by the profession.
In a negligence case, proximate cause means:
- A. There is a direct causal connection between the breach and the damage
- B. The defendant and plaintiff are neighbors
- C. The damage could have been foreseen by anyone
- D. The plaintiff was negligent too
Answer: A. There is a direct causal connection between the breach and the damage
Proximate cause establishes that the defendant's breach of duty directly and foreseeably caused the plaintiff's injury, not merely that a breach occurred.
Proximate cause establishes that the defendant's breach of duty directly and foreseeably caused the plaintiff's injury, not merely that a breach occurred.
A company stores chemicals on its property. Due to heavy rain, chemicals leak into a neighbor's well, poisoning their water supply. Analyze the applicable liability:
- A. Strict liability under Rylands v Fletcher principle
- B. Only negligence if the company failed to take precautions
- C. No liability as the rain was an act of God
- D. Absolute liability only for intentional storage
Answer: A. Strict liability under Rylands v Fletcher principle
This is a classic Rylands v Fletcher scenario; strict liability applies for non-natural use of land (storing chemicals) that causes damage when the dangerous substance escapes.
This is a classic Rylands v Fletcher scenario; strict liability applies for non-natural use of land (storing chemicals) that causes damage when the dangerous substance escapes.
A newspaper publishes allegations of fraud against a businessman without verifying sources. The allegations prove false. The businessman sues. Which defense is LEAST likely to succeed?
- A. Truth of the statement
- B. Qualified privilege for journalistic reporting
- C. Public figure status
- D. Consent of the plaintiff
Answer: A. Truth of the statement
Since the allegations are false, the truth defense cannot succeed; however, privilege or public interest defenses might apply depending on jurisdiction.
Since the allegations are false, the truth defense cannot succeed; however, privilege or public interest defenses might apply depending on jurisdiction.
A pharmaceutical company releases a drug with known side effects that are not adequately disclosed. Some users suffer severe harm. The company argues it followed statutory requirements. Which statement is MOST ACCURATE regarding liability?
- A. Strict liability applies; statutory compliance is irrelevant to liability for defective products
- B. Negligence alone applies; the company should be absolved if it complied with law
- C. No liability exists because the harm was unintentional
- D. Only criminal liability applies to pharmaceutical violations
Answer: A. Strict liability applies; statutory compliance is irrelevant to liability for defective products
Product liability torts impose strict liability for defects; statutory compliance does not shield a company from liability if the product causes foreseeable harm due to inadequate disclosure.
Product liability torts impose strict liability for defects; statutory compliance does not shield a company from liability if the product causes foreseeable harm due to inadequate disclosure.