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Preparing for a judiciary examination can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to memorising numerous case laws and sections of various statutes. It is essential to adopt effective study techniques to tackle this challenge successfully. In this blog, we will discuss some practical strategies that can help aspirants remember important case laws and sections efficiently and perform better in their judiciary exams.

Analysing Previous Year Papers

Attempting to remember all case laws and sections is impractical. Instead, focus on analyzing previous year papers to identify the most frequently asked and important cases and sections. This will give you a clear idea of the areas you need to concentrate on during your preparation.

Creating a List and Using Spaced Repetition

Compile a comprehensive list of important cases and sections based on your analysis of previous year papers. The next step is to leverage the science of spaced repetition to beat the forgetting curve. Spaced repetition involves revisiting the information at increasing intervals over time, ensuring better retention.

(We have discussed spaced repetition at length in one of our blogs, consider having a look)

Use flashcards or digital apps designed for spaced repetition to regularly review the list of cases and sections. This technique helps reinforce memory, making it easier to recall the information during the examination.

For Example:

– Week 1: Review the entire list of cases and sections.

– Week 2: Review only the cases and sections you found challenging in the first round.

– Week 4: Review the challenging cases and sections from both Week 1 and Week 2.

– Week 8: Review the entire list again.

– And so on…

Broad Classification of Bare Act Sections

The bare acts often contain numerous sections under various parts and chapters. To remember them effectively, create a broad classification based on the subject or topic. For example, if you’re studying the Indian Penal Code (IPC), you could classify sections under parts like “General Exceptions,” “Offences Against Property,” “Offences Against Persons,” etc.

Example: IPC Sections Classification

– Section 76 to 106 – General Exceptions

– Section 299 to 377- Offences Against the Human Body

– Section 378 to 489E – Offences Against Property

– Section 141 to 160 – Offences Against Public Tranquillity

This classification helps you organise the sections better in your mind, making it easier to recall them when needed.

Remembering Landmark Judgements

Landmark judgments are essential to understand the interpretation and application of laws. To remember them effectively, try the following tip:

Create a visible list of landmark judgments and their key points in a place you frequently visit, such as your study table or bedroom wall.
Make flashcards with the names of the cases on one side and their ratios or key points on the other side. Review these flashcards regularly to reinforce your memory.

Focusing on Judgement and Ratio

While remembering case laws, it’s crucial to focus on the judgement and the ratio decidendi (the reasoning or legal principle behind the decision) rather than getting too caught up in the case name and citation. Understanding the ratio decidendi of a case will help you apply its principles to different scenarios in the examination, showcasing your analytical skills and securing better marks.

Preparing for a judiciary examination requires a strategic approach, especially when it comes to memorising case laws and sections. By analysing previous year papers, using spaced repetition, creating a classification for sections, and focusing on landmark judgments and their ratios, aspirants can enhance their retention and perform better in the examination. Remember, consistent and organised revision is the key to success. So, stay dedicated and committed to your preparation, and you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the judiciary examination with confidence. Good luck!