BCAT Verbal Reasoning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The word 'equitable' in a legal context most closely means:
- Fair and just; based on principles of equity (Correct answer)
- Equal in monetary value
- Related to criminal equity statutes
- Strictly following the letter of the law
Correct answer: Fair and just; based on principles of equity
In law, equitable refers to principles of fairness derived from equity jurisdiction, distinct from strict common law rules.
Question 2: A BCAT passage argues that 'mandatory minimum sentences are counterproductive.' The word 'counterproductive' most nearly means:
- Having the opposite of the intended effect (Correct answer)
- Highly effective in the short term
- Politically controversial
- Legally unenforceable
Correct answer: Having the opposite of the intended effect
Counterproductive means producing results contrary to those intended, suggesting the sentences worsen the problem they aim to solve.
Question 3: Which of the following is the best synonym for 'corroborate' in a legal statement?
- Confirm or support with additional evidence (Correct answer)
- Contradict or challenge
- Introduce for the first time
- Remove from consideration
Correct answer: Confirm or support with additional evidence
To corroborate is to strengthen or confirm a claim with additional evidence or testimony.
Question 4: In a verbal reasoning passage about contract law, 'void ab initio' means:
- Invalid from the very beginning (Correct answer)
- Cancellable at a future date
- Valid unless challenged in court
- Enforceable only by one party
Correct answer: Invalid from the very beginning
Void ab initio is Latin for 'void from the start,' meaning the contract was never legally valid.
Question 5: Which answer best paraphrases: 'The burden of proof in civil cases is satisfied on the balance of probabilities'?
- In civil cases, a claim succeeds if it is more likely true than not (Correct answer)
- In civil cases, guilt must be proven beyond all doubt
- Civil claims require unanimous jury verdicts
- The court balances the interests of both parties equally
Correct answer: In civil cases, a claim succeeds if it is more likely true than not
Balance of probabilities means the claimant must show it is more than 50% likely their version of events is correct.
Question 6: A passage describes a contract as 'voidable.' This means the contract is:
- Valid but capable of being cancelled by one party (Correct answer)
- Automatically invalid
- Illegal and unenforceable
- Void only if challenged within one year
Correct answer: Valid but capable of being cancelled by one party
A voidable contract is legally effective until the party entitled to rescind it chooses to do so.
BCAT Verbal Reasoning 2
The word 'equitable' in a legal context most closely means: