Mongolian Bar Exam study materials
Mongolian Bar Exam study resources

Mongolian Bar Exam cheat sheet

Mongolian Bar Exam · Keep the key ideas within reach.

Quick reference

Constitutional Law

  • Article 19 of the Constitution lists fundamental rights and freedoms (speech, press, assembly, association, religion, movement, privacy); restrictions are permitted only by law and only for narrowly defined purposes such as national security, public order, or protecting the rights of others.

  • The Constitutional Tsets (Constitutional Court) reviews laws and other normative acts for conformity with the Constitution; it may issue conclusions and, under the 2019 amendments, can decide certain constitutional disputes itself, while final resolution of some matters rests with the State Great Khural.

  • Members of the State Great Khural serve 4-year terms; 126 seats under the 2023 constitutional amendment, elected by a mixed system combining majoritarian constituency seats with proportional representation.

  • The President is elected directly for a 6-year term, may serve only once, and must have resided in Mongolia for at least 5 years; the President may veto legislation, but a two-thirds majority of the Khural can override.

  • The Prime Minister is appointed by the President on the nomination of the majority party or coalition in the Khural; the government is accountable to the Khural, which can pass a vote of no confidence.

  • Sovereignty resides with the people; the Constitution is the supreme law and directly applicable, and international treaties ratified by Mongolia take precedence over conflicting domestic statutes.

  • Citizens have the right to petition state bodies and officials, and the Law on Petitions governs the procedure; state bodies must respond within the statutory period.

  • Amendments to the Constitution require a two-thirds majority of all Khural members and, for certain entrenched provisions, additional safeguards; the Constitutional Tsets reviews proposed amendments for procedural compliance.

Quick reference

Civil Law and Civil Procedure

  • Legal capacity (irright) arises at birth and ends at death; full dispositive capacity (delictual capacity) generally arises at age 18, with limited capacity for minors aged 14-18 who may make small transactions independently.

  • General limitation period is 3 years from the moment the person knew or should have known of the violation of the right; special periods apply (e.g., shorter periods for certain claims, longer for judgments).

  • A transaction is void if it violates the law, is made with a purpose contrary to public order, is a sham, or is made by a person lacking capacity; voidable transactions include those made under duress, fraud, or mistake.

  • Ownership includes rights of possession, use, and disposal; the owner may reclaim property (vindication) unless the possessor acquired it in good faith and gratuitously or by purchase from an unauthorized person under statutory conditions.

  • Contract formation requires offer and acceptance; a contract is binding once accepted, and damages for breach include actual loss and lost profits (expectation interest).

  • Civil procedure is governed by the Civil Procedure Code; claims are filed with the first-instance court (soum, district, or aimag court) based on the defendant's residence or the location of property.

  • Statute of limitations is suspended by filing a claim; the court may restore a missed limitation period on application showing valid reasons.

  • Appeals against first-instance decisions go to the appellate court within the statutory period (generally 14 days for decisions, longer for certain matters); cassation review by the Supreme Court is limited to questions of law.

  • Evidence is assessed by the court's inner conviction; the burden of proof lies on the party asserting a fact, and written evidence and expert opinions are formal means of proof.

Quick reference

Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure

  • Criminal liability requires the actus reus (act or omission defined by the Criminal Code), guilt (intent or negligence), and capacity; the minimum age of criminal responsibility is 16, with 14 for specified grave crimes listed in the Code.

  • Penalties include fines, community service, imprisonment, and other measures; the death penalty was abolished by law in 2012 and replaced by life imprisonment for the gravest crimes.

  • Necessary defense and extreme necessity are circumstances excluding criminality; exceeding their limits may still attract liability but mitigates punishment.

  • Attempted crime and preparation are punishable; voluntary abandonment of the crime before completion excludes liability for the completed offense.

  • Criminal procedure is governed by the Criminal Procedure Code; the prosecutor supervises the investigation, and the court authorizes coercive measures such as detention and search.

  • A suspect must be informed of the right to remain silent and to have a lawyer; statements obtained through torture or duress are inadmissible as evidence.

  • Preventive detention (remand) requires a court decision and is subject to statutory time limits; the prosecutor must justify continued detention periodically.

  • The presumption of innocence applies; the burden of proof is on the prosecution, and doubts are interpreted in favor of the accused.

  • Court decisions may be appealed; cassation and supervisory review are available on limited grounds, and the Supreme Court ensures uniform application of criminal law.

Quick reference

Administrative Law and Administrative Procedure

  • Administrative acts are decisions issued by state administrative bodies exercising public authority; an act must be lawful, issued by a competent body, in the prescribed form, and for a lawful purpose.

  • The Law on Administrative Procedure sets standards for administrative decision-making, including the right to be heard, access to the file, reasoned decisions, and notification.

  • A person whose rights are affected may complain to a higher administrative body or file an administrative claim with the administrative court; the general time limit for filing is 30 days from notification unless otherwise provided.

  • Administrative courts review the legality of administrative acts and may annul them; they may also award compensation for unlawful administrative acts under the Law on Compensation for Damage Caused by Unlawful Acts of State Bodies.

  • Administrative enforcement measures (fines, suspension, revocation of licenses) must be based on law and subject to proportionality; coercive enforcement requires a prior warning and a decision.

  • State officials are liable for unlawful administrative acts; damages are paid from the state budget, with possible recourse against the official in cases of intentional or grossly negligent conduct.

  • The Law on Administrative Procedure requires administrative bodies to decide within statutory deadlines; if no deadline is set, a decision must be made within a reasonable time, generally 30 days.

  • Public participation and transparency requirements apply to rulemaking; draft normative acts are subject to public consultation and registration with the state registry.

Quick reference

Commercial, Corporate and Contract Law

  • Business entities include limited liability companies (LLC), joint-stock companies, partnerships, and cooperatives; an LLC's charter capital is divided into shares, and members' liability is limited to their contributions.

  • A joint-stock company issues shares; it may be open (public offering) or closed; the minimum charter capital thresholds are set by the Law on Companies and depend on the form.

  • Company governance: the general meeting of shareholders is the supreme body; a board of directors may be established; the executive director manages day-to-day operations and must act in the company's best interests (fiduciary duty).

  • Commercial contracts are governed by the Civil Code and the Law on Contracts; freedom of contract applies, but mandatory rules and public policy limits override party autonomy.

  • A contract may be invalidated for fraud, duress, mistake, or violation of law; damages for breach cover actual loss and lost profit, subject to foreseeability and mitigation.

  • Secured transactions under the Law on Secured Transactions: a security interest is perfected by registration in the state registry, and priority is determined by the time of registration.

  • Bankruptcy (insolvency) proceedings are governed by the Law on Bankruptcy; a debtor may be declared insolvent by court decision, triggering liquidation or rehabilitation procedures.

  • Competition law prohibits anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominance, and unfair competition; the Fair Competition and Consumer Protection Agency enforces these rules.

Quick reference

Labour and Social Security Law

  • An employment contract must be in writing and include essential terms (position, wage, working hours, workplace); a probationary period may not exceed 3 months for most employees.

  • Normal working time is 40 hours per week and 8 hours per day; overtime requires the employee's consent and is paid at not less than 1.5 times the normal rate (higher rates for holidays).

  • Annual paid leave is at least 15 working days for regular employees, with additional leave for certain categories (e.g., hazardous work, long service, disabled employees).

  • Termination of employment requires statutory grounds and procedure; severance pay is generally one month's average wage, with higher amounts for long service or redundancy.

  • Maternity leave is 120 days (70 before and 50 after birth, with flexibility); parental leave and childcare allowances are provided under social insurance legislation.

  • Social insurance covers pensions, unemployment, health, work injury, and maternity benefits; contributions are shared between employer and employee at statutory rates.

  • Collective agreements and labour disputes: individual disputes go to the labour dispute commission or court; collective disputes may involve conciliation and arbitration.

  • The Labour Code prohibits discrimination and forced labour and guarantees equal pay for equal work; violations may result in administrative and criminal liability.

Quick reference

Family and Inheritance Law

  • Marriage requires mutual consent, minimum age of 18, and registration with the civil registry office; a marriage may be declared invalid for lack of consent, bigamy, or prohibited kinship.

  • Spouses have equal rights and duties; property acquired during marriage is joint property unless a marriage contract (prenuptial agreement) provides otherwise.

  • Divorce may be effected by mutual consent at the civil registry office or by court; the court resolves custody, division of property, and child support.

  • Parents have equal rights and duties toward children; custody decisions prioritize the child's best interests, and children aged 10 and older have the right to be heard.

  • Child support (alimony) is set by agreement or by court as a share of earnings (typically 1/4 for one child, 1/3 for two, 1/2 for three or more) or as a fixed sum.

  • Inheritance occurs by will or by intestate succession; the statutory heirs are ranked (children, spouse, and parents first), and a compulsory share is reserved for certain heirs (e.g., minors, disabled dependants).

  • A will must be in writing and notarized; it may be revoked or amended, and the testator's freedom is limited by the compulsory share rule.

  • Inheritance is accepted within 6 months from the opening of the estate; acceptance may be by conduct or by application to a notary, and liability for the deceased's debts is limited to the value of the estate.

Quick reference

Land, Environmental and Natural Resources Law

  • Land in Mongolia is state-owned; citizens and legal entities may hold land under ownership (for residential and certain purposes), possession, or use rights granted by the state.

  • Land use rights are granted by decision of the relevant state body (aimag or capital city governor) and are subject to registration in the state land registry; the term is typically 15-60 years depending on purpose.

  • The Land Law classifies land into categories (agricultural, urban, forest, water, reserve, etc.) and regulates transfer, lease, and conversion between categories.

  • Environmental protection is governed by the Law on Environmental Protection; environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required for certain projects, and violations may result in suspension, fines, or criminal liability.

  • Natural resources (minerals, water, forests, wildlife) are regulated by specific laws; mineral licenses are issued by the state authority and require environmental plans and rehabilitation obligations.

  • The polluter-pays principle applies; environmental damages may be recovered through administrative or civil proceedings, and environmental fees are charged for pollution and resource use.

  • Specially protected areas are established by law, and activities within them are restricted; the state may expropriate land for public needs with compensation.

  • Water use is regulated by the Law on Water; water use permits are required for significant withdrawals, and water protection zones restrict certain activities.

Quick reference

Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility of Advocates

  • The Law on Advocacy defines the advocate's role: to provide legal assistance, represent clients in court, and protect rights and freedoms; advocates must be licensed by the bar association.

  • Advocates must maintain confidentiality of client information; disclosure is permitted only with the client's consent or as required by law.

  • Advocates must act independently, avoid conflicts of interest, and may not represent opposing parties in the same or related matters.

  • Advocates must not accept a case if they have a personal interest or have previously advised the opposing party; conflicts must be disclosed and resolved.

  • Advocates must act in the client's best interests within the law; they may not mislead the court, present false evidence, or engage in improper communication with the opposing party.

  • Fees must be reasonable and agreed in writing; contingency fees are restricted, and advocates may not share fees with non-lawyers.

  • Advocates are subject to disciplinary proceedings by the bar association for ethical violations; sanctions range from warning to disbarment.

  • Advocates have a duty to provide pro bono assistance in cases provided by law and to maintain professional competence through continuing legal education.

Quick reference

Legal Writing, Drafting and Advocacy Practice

  • Legal documents should follow a standard structure: heading (court, parties, case number), statement of facts, legal grounds, claims/petitions, and signature with date.

  • A statement of claim must identify the parties, the subject matter, the legal basis, the facts, the evidence, and the specific relief sought; failure to comply may result in return or rejection.

  • Citations should identify the source precisely (law name, article, paragraph, and date of adoption); Mongolian practice favors direct citation of statutory provisions.

  • Legal writing should be clear, concise, and free of ambiguity; use defined terms consistently and avoid unnecessary legalese.

  • Advocacy practice: preparation includes case analysis, evidence gathering, witness preparation, and drafting of pleadings; oral argument should be structured (facts, law, application, conclusion).

  • Objections must be timely and specific; appellate briefs should focus on errors of law or procedure and cite the record.

  • Drafting contracts: identify parties, subject matter, rights and obligations, price, term, termination, dispute resolution, and governing law; ambiguity is construed against the drafter in some contexts.

  • Client communication: advocates should explain the legal position, risks, and alternatives, and obtain informed consent for settlements; written retainer agreements are recommended.

Quick reference

Criminal Procedure (additional practice)

  • Investigation bodies must initiate a criminal case within statutory deadlines after receiving a complaint; the prosecutor supervises legality and may order additional investigation.

  • The accused has the right to counsel from the moment of detention; if unable to afford counsel, the state provides one in cases provided by law.

  • Search and seizure require a court warrant except in urgent circumstances defined by law; the results must be recorded in a protocol with witnesses.

  • The court examines evidence directly; the prosecution and defense have equal rights to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses.

  • Plea agreements and simplified procedures may apply in certain cases; the court must verify voluntariness and the factual basis.

  • Sentencing considers the gravity of the crime, the offender's character, mitigating and aggravating circumstances, and the purposes of punishment (rehabilitation, deterrence, restoration).

  • Victims have the right to compensation and participation; civil claims may be brought within criminal proceedings.

  • Juvenile justice: special procedures apply to minors, including mandatory participation of a pedagogue or psychologist and priority on education and rehabilitation.

Quick reference

Civil Procedure (additional practice)

  • Jurisdiction: the court at the defendant's place of residence has general jurisdiction; exclusive jurisdiction applies to claims over immovable property (court at the property's location).

  • The court may return a claim if the plaintiff fails to comply with formal requirements; it may reject a claim if the matter is not justiciable or already adjudicated.

  • Interim measures (attachment, injunction) may be granted on application to secure enforcement of a future judgment; the applicant may be required to provide security.

  • The court may order expert examination; parties may propose questions to the expert, and the expert's opinion is assessed along with other evidence.

  • Judgments become final after the appeal period expires; enforcement is carried out by court bailiffs under the Law on Enforcement.

  • Default judgments may be issued if the defendant fails to appear without valid reason after proper notice.

  • Court costs include state fees and litigation expenses; the losing party generally bears them, and the court may apportion costs.

  • Representation in civil proceedings may be by advocates or other persons authorized by power of attorney; certain matters require personal participation.

Quick reference

Administrative Procedure (additional practice)

  • Administrative courts are separate from civil courts; they hear disputes between citizens/entities and administrative bodies arising from administrative acts or omissions.

  • Standing requires a personal, direct, and legally protected interest affected by the administrative act; public interest litigation is limited.

  • The court may suspend the execution of an administrative act pending review if the applicant shows irreparable harm and the public interest does not require immediate execution.

  • Administrative acts must be reasoned; failure to state reasons is a ground for annulment.

  • The administration has a duty to assist and provide information; refusal must be in writing with reasons and appeal instructions.

  • Administrative silence (failure to decide) may be challenged as a deemed refusal after the statutory deadline.

  • The court may order the administrative body to take a specific action or to reconsider the matter; it may also award damages.

  • Administrative procedure requires proportionality: measures must be suitable, necessary, and proportionate to the aim pursued.

Quick reference

Commercial and Corporate Law (additional practice)

  • Company registration is effected with the state registration authority; legal personality arises upon registration, and changes must be registered to be effective against third parties.

  • Shareholders' rights include participation in the general meeting, dividends, information, and a share of assets on liquidation; minority protection rules apply to related-party transactions.

  • Directors owe duties of care and loyalty; they may be liable for damages caused by breach, and transactions with interested parties require approval.

  • Mergers, acquisitions, and reorganizations require shareholder approval and, in certain cases, notification to the competition authority.

  • Securities issuance and public offerings are regulated by the Financial Regulatory Commission; disclosure requirements apply to listed companies.

  • Contract interpretation: the court ascertains the parties' common intention, considering the contract text, negotiations, and commercial practice.

  • Force majeure excuses performance if the event is unforeseeable, unavoidable, and beyond the party's control; the affected party must notify promptly.

  • Arbitration clauses are enforceable; Mongolia is a party to the New York Convention, and foreign arbitral awards are recognized under statutory conditions.

Quick reference

Labour Law (additional practice)

  • An employer must conclude a written employment contract within 5 working days of the employee's start; failure may result in administrative liability.

  • Working time records must be maintained; overtime is limited by law (generally not more than 2 hours per day and 10 hours per week) except in specified cases.

  • Termination by the employer requires statutory grounds (e.g., redundancy, misconduct, incapacity) and notice; dismissal of pregnant women and certain protected categories is restricted.

  • Wages must be paid at least twice a month; deductions are limited by law, and delayed payment attracts compensation.

  • Occupational safety and health obligations include risk assessment, training, and provision of protective equipment; accidents must be reported and investigated.

  • Labour inspection enforces labour legislation; inspectors may issue orders and impose fines for violations.

  • Social insurance contributions are mandatory; failure to pay may result in liability and loss of benefits for employees.

  • Collective bargaining is regulated; collective agreements must be registered and are binding on the parties.

Quick reference

Family and Inheritance (additional practice)

  • A marriage contract may regulate property relations but cannot limit personal rights or the rights of children; it must be notarized.

  • Paternity may be established voluntarily or by court; DNA evidence is admissible, and the child's interests prevail.

  • Adoption requires consent of the child (if aged 10 or older), the parents, and a court decision; the adopters must meet statutory requirements.

  • Guardianship and trusteeship protect the rights of minors and incapacitated persons; guardians are appointed by the state administrative body.

  • Inheritance by will: the testator may leave property to any person, but the compulsory share (e.g., for minor children) cannot be reduced.

  • Heirs who accept inheritance are liable for the deceased's debts up to the value of the inherited property; refusal must be made within the statutory period.

  • Inheritance disputes are heard by civil courts; notaries issue inheritance certificates.

  • Domestic violence is addressed by the Law on Combating Domestic Violence; protection orders may be issued by the court or police.

Quick reference

Land and Environmental Law (additional practice)

  • Land ownership by citizens is limited to residential and certain purposes; foreigners may not own land but may lease it under statutory conditions.

  • Land use rights may be transferred, mortgaged, or leased subject to registration and the conditions of the original grant.

  • The state may expropriate land for public needs with compensation based on market value; the procedure requires a decision and notice.

  • Environmental impact assessment must be conducted before certain projects; the assessment is subject to public consultation and state review.

  • Mining licenses require environmental management plans and rehabilitation deposits; abandonment without rehabilitation attracts liability.

  • Water protection zones and forest reserve areas restrict construction, logging, and pollution activities.

  • Environmental fines are imposed by environmental inspectors; serious violations may lead to criminal liability and suspension of operations.

  • Protected areas are managed by the state; activities are regulated by the Law on Special Protected Areas.

Quick reference

Legal Ethics (additional practice)

  • Advocates must not advertise in a misleading manner; advertising rules are set by the bar association.

  • Client funds must be kept separately from the advocate's own funds; commingling is prohibited.

  • Advocates must withdraw from representation if a conflict of interest arises that cannot be resolved with informed consent.

  • Confidentiality survives termination of the engagement and continues after the client's death.

  • Advocates may not communicate with a represented opposing party without the consent of that party's advocate.

  • Fees must be disclosed in advance and confirmed in writing; contingent fees are restricted in criminal cases.

  • Advocates have a duty to the court: candor, respect, and avoidance of frivolous arguments.

  • Disciplinary proceedings must respect due process; sanctions include warning, suspension, and disbarment.

Quick reference

Legal Writing and Advocacy (additional practice)

  • Pleadings should state facts chronologically and separately from legal argument; each legal conclusion should be supported by a cited provision.

  • Use headings and numbered paragraphs for readability; define abbreviations at first use and use them consistently.

  • Evidence should be listed with a description of its relevance and source; attach copies where required.

  • Legal memoranda should follow IRAC (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) or a similar structured method.

  • Oral advocacy: open with a clear statement of the relief sought, address the strongest counterarguments, and conclude with a specific request.

  • Appellate briefs should identify the standard of review and the specific errors below.

  • Contract drafting should include clear definitions, allocation of risk, and a dispute resolution clause specifying forum and governing law.

  • Client letters should explain the legal position in plain language and state the next steps and deadlines.

Quick reference

Criminal Law (additional practice)

  • Complicity: co-perpetrators, organizers, instigators, and accessories are liable according to their role; the degree of participation affects sentencing.

  • Mens rea: direct intent, indirect intent, and negligence; negligence is punishable only where the law specifically provides.

  • Statute of limitations for criminal liability depends on the maximum penalty; it is interrupted by the commission of a new crime.

  • Aggravating circumstances include commission by a group, with particular cruelty, or against a vulnerable person; mitigating circumstances include confession and reparation.

  • Economic crimes (fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion) carry fines and imprisonment; liability may extend to legal entities under administrative or criminal provisions.

  • Corruption offenses are governed by the Criminal Code and the Law on Combating Corruption; asset declarations are required for public officials.

  • Juvenile offenders may be subject to educational measures instead of punishment; detention is a last resort.

  • International cooperation: extradition and mutual legal assistance are governed by treaties and the Criminal Procedure Code.

Quick reference

Civil Law (additional practice)

  • Obligations arise from contracts, torts, unjust enrichment, and other grounds provided by law.

  • Tort liability requires wrongful conduct, damage, causation, and fault; strict liability applies in cases provided by law (e.g., hazardous activities).

  • Unjust enrichment: a person who acquires property without legal basis must return it; the claim is excluded if the enrichment is no longer present in good faith.

  • Agency: a representative acts within the authority granted by power of attorney or law; acts beyond authority do not bind the principal unless ratified.

  • Property rights: ownership, possession, servitude, mortgage, and pledge; rights in rem must be registered where required.

  • Contract modification and termination require agreement or statutory grounds; material breach permits termination with damages.

  • Limitation periods apply to claims; the court may extend or restore them in limited circumstances.

  • Personal non-property rights (dignity, honor, privacy) are protected by civil law; compensation for moral harm is available.

Quick reference

Constitutional Law (additional practice)

  • The Constitutional Tsets consists of 9 members appointed for 6-year terms; it reviews the constitutionality of laws, presidential decrees, and ratified treaties.

  • Fundamental rights may be restricted only by law and only to the extent necessary; the principle of proportionality applies.

  • The State Great Khural may declare a state of emergency on the President's proposal; rights may be temporarily restricted under constitutional safeguards.

  • Citizens have the right to elect and be elected; the electoral system is regulated by the Law on Elections.

  • The President is the head of state and commander-in-chief; the President may be removed for treason or serious violation of the Constitution by the Khural.

  • Judicial independence is guaranteed; judges are appointed and may be removed only on statutory grounds.

  • Local self-governance is exercised through aimag, capital city, soum, and district assemblies (khurals) and governors.

  • The Constitution guarantees the right to a fair trial, presumption of innocence, and access to legal assistance.

Quick reference

Administrative Law (additional practice)

  • Administrative acts may be general (normative) or individual; general acts are subject to registration and publication.

  • The administration must observe the principle of legality: acts must be based on law and must not exceed statutory authority.

  • The right to be heard requires notice of the proposed decision and an opportunity to respond before the decision is made.

  • Administrative contracts are permitted in certain areas; disputes are heard by administrative courts.

  • Public officials must disclose conflicts of interest and may be subject to disciplinary liability.

  • State inspection bodies exercise control within their competence; inspections must be documented and subject to appeal.

  • The Law on Administrative Procedure requires reasons for decisions and instructions on appeal.

  • Administrative courts may award compensation for unlawful acts, including moral harm in cases provided by law.

Quick reference

Commercial Law (additional practice)

  • Agency and distribution agreements are governed by the Civil Code; termination requires notice and compensation for goodwill in certain cases.

  • Sale of goods: the seller must deliver goods conforming to the contract; the buyer must inspect and notify defects within the statutory period.

  • Leasing and secured financing are regulated; registration of security interests determines priority.

  • Insolvency: creditors' claims are ranked; secured creditors have priority over unsecured creditors within statutory limits.

  • Competition law prohibits cartels, abuse of dominance, and unfair competition; merger control thresholds are set by law.

  • Consumer protection law requires accurate information, quality, and remedies for defective goods and services.

  • E-commerce transactions are subject to the Law on Electronic Commerce; electronic signatures are recognized.

  • Arbitration and mediation are available for commercial disputes; arbitration awards are enforceable under the Law on Arbitration.

Quick reference

Labour and Social Security (additional practice)

  • Employment contracts may be fixed-term or indefinite; fixed-term contracts are permitted only for objective reasons.

  • The employer must provide written notice of termination and pay statutory severance; the employee may challenge dismissal in court.

  • Working conditions for women and minors are specially protected; night work and heavy labour are restricted.

  • Social insurance pensions are calculated based on contributions and length of service; the pension age is being gradually raised.

  • Unemployment benefits are available to insured persons who lose employment through no fault of their own and register with the labour office.

  • Work injury benefits cover medical costs and loss of earnings; the employer must report accidents.

  • Labour disputes may be resolved by the labour dispute commission, mediation, or court.

  • The Labour Code requires equal treatment and prohibits harassment and discrimination.

Quick reference

Family and Inheritance (additional practice)

  • Marriage may be dissolved by mutual consent if there are no minor children; otherwise, court proceedings are required.

  • Property division considers the interests of minor children and the contributions of each spouse.

  • Child support may be modified if circumstances change; enforcement is carried out by bailiffs.

  • Inheritance by intestate succession: the first rank includes children, spouse, and parents; the second rank includes siblings and grandparents.

  • A will may be challenged for incapacity, fraud, or duress; the court may invalidate it.

  • Inheritance certificates are issued by notaries; disputes over inheritance are heard by civil courts.

  • Adoption terminates the legal relationship with the biological parents, except where the law provides otherwise.

  • Guardianship is supervised by the state administrative body; guardians must act in the ward's best interests.

Quick reference

Land and Environmental (additional practice)

  • Land use rights are granted for a term depending on purpose; renewal is possible under statutory conditions.

  • Land registration is conclusive evidence of title; unregistered transfers are not effective against third parties.

  • Environmental permits (emission, waste) are required for certain activities; violations attract fines and suspension.

  • Environmental liability may be civil, administrative, or criminal; the polluter pays principle applies.

  • Forest and water resources are protected by specific laws; logging and water use require permits.

  • Protected areas restrict economic activity; buffer zones are established around protected areas.

  • Environmental impact assessment must be conducted for projects listed by law; public participation is required.

  • State environmental inspectors may order remediation and impose fines; appeals go to administrative courts.

Quick reference

Legal Ethics (additional practice)

  • Advocates must maintain independence and avoid conflicts of interest; conflicts must be disclosed and managed.

  • Confidentiality covers all information obtained in the course of representation, including after termination.

  • Advocates may not mislead the court or present false evidence; candor is a core duty.

  • Fees must be reasonable, agreed in writing, and not contingent on the outcome in criminal cases.

  • Client funds must be kept in a separate account; commingling is prohibited.

  • Advocates must withdraw if a conflict arises that cannot be resolved with informed consent.

  • Advertising must be truthful and not misleading; the bar association regulates advertising.

  • Disciplinary proceedings must respect due process; sanctions include warning, suspension, and disbarment.

Quick reference

Legal Writing and Advocacy (additional practice)

  • Pleadings should state facts and legal grounds separately; each claim should be supported by evidence and statutory citations.

  • Use clear headings, numbered paragraphs, and consistent defined terms.

  • Legal memoranda should follow a structured method (IRAC) and address counterarguments.

  • Oral advocacy should open with the relief sought, address the strongest counterarguments, and conclude with a specific request.

  • Appellate briefs should identify the standard of review and the specific errors below.

  • Contract drafting should include clear definitions, risk allocation, and a dispute resolution clause.

  • Client letters should explain the legal position in plain language and state next steps and deadlines.

  • Citations should identify the law, article, paragraph, and date; accuracy is essential.

Quick reference

Criminal Procedure (additional practice)

  • The prosecutor supervises the investigation and may order additional investigation; the court authorizes coercive measures.

  • The accused has the right to counsel from the moment of detention; state counsel is provided if the accused cannot afford one.

  • Search and seizure require a court warrant except in urgent circumstances; results must be recorded in a protocol.

  • The court examines evidence directly; the parties have equal rights to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses.

  • Plea agreements and simplified procedures require the court to verify voluntariness and the factual basis.

  • Sentencing considers the gravity of the crime, the offender's character, and mitigating and aggravating circumstances.

  • Victims have the right to compensation and participation; civil claims may be brought within criminal proceedings.

  • Juvenile justice requires special procedures and priority on education and rehabilitation.

Quick reference

Civil Procedure (additional practice)

  • Jurisdiction: the court at the defendant's residence has general jurisdiction; exclusive jurisdiction applies to claims over immovable property.

  • The court may return a claim for formal defects or reject it if the matter is not justiciable or already adjudicated.

  • Interim measures (attachment, injunction) may be granted on application to secure enforcement of a future judgment.

  • The court may order expert examination; the expert's opinion is assessed along with other evidence.

  • Judgments become final after the appeal period expires; enforcement is carried out by court bailiffs.

  • Default judgments may be issued if the defendant fails to appear without valid reason after proper notice.

  • Court costs include state fees and litigation expenses; the losing party generally bears them.

  • Representation may be by advocates or other persons authorized by power of attorney; certain matters require personal participation.

Quick reference

Administrative Procedure (additional practice)

  • Administrative courts hear disputes between citizens/entities and administrative bodies arising from administrative acts or omissions.

  • Standing requires a personal, direct, and legally protected interest affected by the administrative act.

  • The court may suspend the execution of an administrative act pending review if the applicant shows irreparable harm.

  • Administrative acts must be reasoned; failure to state reasons is a ground for annulment.

  • The administration has a duty to assist and provide information; refusal must be in writing with reasons.

  • Administrative silence may be challenged as a deemed refusal after the statutory deadline.

  • The court may order the administrative body to take a specific action or to reconsider the matter.

  • Administrative procedure requires proportionality: measures must be suitable, necessary, and proportionate.