Judging in judiciary exams involves a wide range of topics such as general knowledge, legal matters, current affairs, English skills, and more. Among these, the art of writing judgments is a crucial skill, but it’s not a requirement in every state’s judiciary exam. States like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have specific guidelines for judgment writing. If you’re gearing up for one of these state exams, let’s dive into some valuable tips and techniques for mastering judgment writing during the Mains examination.
Types of Judgment Writing
During the exam, you’ll encounter two types of judgment writing: one for criminal cases and the other for civil cases. In criminal judgment writing, you’ll be tasked with framing charges by understanding the facts presented. In contrast, civil judgment writing involves framing issues to be addressed. While these might sound similar, they have distinct formats, legal requirements, and writing styles.
Contents of a Judgment
Title of Judgment
When writing a judgment, it’s important to include the following details:
- Court’s Name
- Judge’s Title
- Court’s Location
For civil judgments, remember to include the Civil Suit Number and the Date of Institution. When dealing with criminal cases, be sure to provide the FIR Number, the Police Station, and the date of the incident.
Facts
Before diving into the process of judgment writing, it’s essential to lay out the crucial facts relevant to the case. Take some time to detail these facts in 2-3 paragraphs, tailored to the specific problem at hand. Following this, briefly touch upon the conflict in a civil case or the charges in a criminal matter.
Issues
Let’s dive into the key considerations at hand. This is where your critical thinking comes into play, as misidentifying the issues can work against you. Trust your logical reasoning skills to pinpoint the relevant laws and craft charges and issues meticulously. If you find yourself uncertain, don’t hesitate to take a little extra time to revisit the provided facts for clarity.
Evidence and Laws Applicable
It’s important to discuss any attached documents in the question paper and the relevant laws that can help resolve the issue or determine guilt. You should also provide citations for reference.
Ratio Decidendi
When it comes to writing a judgment, the key step is all about your reasoning. It’s not just about what you think, but how and why you arrived at your decision that truly matters. It’s important to back up your judgment with sound logic and rely on legal precedents from both the Supreme Court and High Courts. Your ability to carefully consider the case should be your top priority. Remember, a well-crafted judgment will certainly earn you high marks, so keep that in mind, aspiring candidates!
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