Law and Social Justice – Very Short Answer Type Questions
Class 8 • Social Science
Chapter 8 — Law and Social Justice
NCERT-based very short questions & answers for quick revision
CBSE Board Examinations
Assessment Components (systematic order)
- Formative Assessments (periodic)
- Summative Assessments (term exams)
- Project Work & Enrichment
- Sample Papers & Revision Tests
- Final Exam (Board-style)
Content Bank — Topics Covered
Meaning of law & social justice; ways laws help the weak; legal remedies; institutions; protection of marginalised groups; examples; rights & duties; legal aid; court role.
Meaning & Basics (1–10)
1. What is law?
Rules made by the state to regulate behaviour and maintain order.
2. What is social justice?
Fair treatment and equal opportunity for all members of society.
3. How are law and social justice linked?
Laws provide rules and remedies that help achieve fairness and protect rights.
4. Who makes laws in India?
The Parliament and state legislatures make most laws; the Constitution is supreme.
5. Give one simple purpose of law.
To protect people’s rights and keep society peaceful.
6. What does 'remedy' mean in law?
A legal way to correct a wrong, like compensation or restoration.
7. Name one example of a legal remedy.
Compensation paid to a victim for loss.
8. What is discrimination?
Unfair treatment of people based on caste, religion, gender or other status.
9. What is equality before law?
All people are treated the same by the law regardless of status.
10. What is legal aid?
Free or low‑cost legal help provided to those who cannot afford lawyers.
How Laws Help the Weak (11–20)
11. How do laws protect basic rights?
By recognizing rights and allowing courts to enforce them.
12. How do laws provide special protection?
Through affirmative measures like reservations and welfare schemes.
13. What role does compensation play?
It restores losses suffered by victims and provides relief.
14. How do laws deter wrongdoing?
By setting punishments that discourage harmful acts.
15. How can law help in eviction cases?
Courts can stop illegal evictions and order fair procedures.
16. How do child protection laws help?
They prohibit child labour and ensure rehabilitation and care for children.
17. Why are anti‑discrimination laws important?
They prevent unfair treatment and promote equal access to jobs and services.
18. How do laws help victims of crime?
By providing penalties for offenders and remedies for victims.
19. How do welfare laws support the poor?
By offering subsidies, public services and targeted schemes.
20. What is restitution?
Restoring a victim to their previous position, like returning property.
Institutions & Courts (21–30)
21. What do courts do?
Interpret laws, decide disputes and provide remedies when rights are violated.
22. Name the highest court in India.
The Supreme Court of India.
23. What is the role of the police?
Investigate crimes, maintain law and order, and enforce criminal laws.
24. What is a district court?
A local court that hears civil and criminal cases in a district.
25. What is legal literacy?
Awareness and understanding of basic legal rights and procedures.
26. How do NGOs help in justice?
They assist victims, provide legal aid and raise rights awareness.
27. What is public interest litigation (PIL)?
A legal action filed to protect public interest or vulnerable groups.
28. What is an appeal?
Asking a higher court to review a lower court's decision.
29. What is a judgment?
The final decision given by a court on a case.
30. How does a legal aid cell work?
It connects needy persons with free lawyers and legal advice.
Examples & Case Practice (31–40)
31. Give a simple example of law helping the weak.
A court stopping an unlawful eviction and restoring tenancy rights.
32. How can law help a victim of workplace discrimination?
By ordering compensation and directing the employer to stop discriminatory practices.
33. What happens if child labour is found in a factory?
The factory may be closed, owner punished and children rehabilitated.
34. Why should laws protect minority religions?
To ensure freedom of religion and prevent persecution or discrimination.
35. How do property laws protect tenants?
By setting procedures for eviction and protecting occupants against arbitrary removal.
36. What is an injunction?
A court order that stops someone from doing a harmful act.
37. What is compensation in legal terms?
Money ordered by the court to make up for harm or loss.
38. How can courts protect environmental rights?
By ordering cleanup, penalties and preventive measures in public interest cases.
39. What role do government welfare schemes play?
They provide food, housing, education and health support to vulnerable people.
40. How does reservation help social justice?
By providing education and job opportunities to historically disadvantaged groups.
Rights, Duties & Practical Points (41–50)
41. What is the duty of citizens related to law?
To follow laws and respect the rights of others.
42. Why is awareness of rights important?
It helps people claim remedies and prevents exploitation.
43. What should a victim do first after a rights violation?
Report to the police or seek legal advice from a legal aid cell/NGO.
44. What is rehabilitation?
Steps taken to restore victims (especially children) to a normal life.
45. How do court orders bring social change?
By setting precedents and enforcing rights across similar cases.
46. Name one way to find legal help.
Contact a district legal services authority or local NGO for assistance.
47. What is meant by 'due process'?
Fair legal procedures that must be followed before taking action against someone.
48. How do laws support gender equality?
By criminalising violence and discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities.
49. What should schools teach about law?
Basic rights, duties, and ways to access legal help and report abuse.
50. Why connect examples to theory in exams?
Examples show understanding and improve exam answers by applying ideas to real situations.