About the Book

In the last few decades, India has not only showcased itself as the world’s largest democracy but also exhibited the resilience of its institutions and the fortitude of its governance benchmarks. As India pursues a leadership position
in the world community, the need for a rule-of-law society has become a necessary pre-condition. A compliant and law-abiding citizenry alone can build the requisite ecosystem for a nation to surge ahead. This calls for a greater legal literacy amongst its masses to enhance their understanding of public affairs as well their entitlements and duties as citizens. In the long run, this can also potentially eradicate the ethics deficit in society.

Structured training in law not only helps the youth challenge their thought process and nurture analytical and negotiation skills but also prepares them for myriad opportunities and exciting career options. No wonder, in the last few years, apart from offering the traditional career in litigation, the law has established itself into fields like public service, academics, research, public policy, journalism, and various other emerging streams. To cater to this burgeoning demand for trained legal professionals, India has seen a tremendous growth of institutions like the National Law Universities and many private universities offering law courses, in addition to the expansionof the existing facilities.

Central Board of Secondary Education’s decision to introduce ‘Legal Studies’ as an elective subject, in the year 2013-14 for the Class XI students and in the year 2014-15 for the Class XII students, could not have come at a better time. It is a testimony to the realisation that the introduction of an important subject like Legal Studies at an early stage can do wonders for the students who plan a career in the field of law. Even for those who may pursue other careers, their intellectual strength and the problem-solving abilities will be enhanced though the study of law.

This book is a humble attempt to make a student’s first interface with the law as a subject an elevating experience. Care has been taken to make the presentation of the text simple and reader-friendly. The various units of the book, while meeting the requirements of the prescribed syllabus, offer comprehensive coverage of the aspects of law that have been covered. Important legal terms have been meticulously explained with examples to help the students develop a clear understanding about them. All relevant cases have been duly cited, and it has been ensured that the text comprises the latest information about the incorporated content.