Civil Law and Civil Procedure
Core concepts
Civil law covers obligations, contracts, torts, and the general theory of civil liability. Understand the elements of a valid contract (capacity, consent, object, cause), the consequences of defect in consent (mistake, fraud, duress), and the rules on damages. In procedure, know jurisdiction, standing, the pleading stages, the burden of proof, and the rules on appeal and cassation.
Traps
Examiners test whether you can separate substantive validity from procedural admissibility. A contract may be valid yet the claim time-barred. Another trap is confusing the burden of proof with the burden of production; the plaintiff generally bears the former. Watch for questions that mix nullity (void) with voidability (rescindable).
Worked example
A seller delivers defective goods. The buyer may seek rescission or damages, but the choice affects the limitation period. Rule of thumb: first classify the defect (nullity vs. voidability), then check the limitation clock before discussing remedies.
Exam strategy
For each fact pattern, write the elements of the claim, then the procedural gate (jurisdiction, standing, time limits), then the remedy.