P1 Paralegal Sample Practice Questions
Professional Responsibility
Olivia, a paralegal, is meeting with her client, Jacob, for the first time. Jacob has been accused of professional misconduct and needs legal representation. What should Olivia do first?
A) File a motion to dismiss the accusations.
B) Request a retainer before proceeding.
C) Ascertain Jacob’s objectives.
D) Begin researching case law.
Jurisdiction and Fundamentals
Which test is used by courts to determine whether a federal or provincial law is valid under the division of powers?
A) Pith and substance analysis
B) Paramountcy analysis
C) Living tree doctrine
D) Ultra vires doctrine
Civil Litigation
Priya, a paralegal, is consulting her client, Daniel, regarding a personal injury claim. Daniel was injured in a car accident and wants to pursue damages against the other driver. What is Priya’s best next step?
A) File a lawsuit immediately.
B) Determine whether liability exists.
C) Seek expert medical evidence.
D) Draft a settlement agreement.
Criminal and Quasi-Criminal Law
Jason, a paralegal, is representing his client, Laura, in a Highway Traffic Act violation case. Laura has been charged with running a red light and disputes the charge. What should Jason do first?
A) File an appeal with the Ontario Court of Justice.
B) Examine the evidence, including Laura’s testimony.
C) Contact the police officer who issued the ticket.
D) Submit a guilty plea with mitigating circumstances.
Administrative Law
Emma, a paralegal, is meeting with her client, Mark, a tenant facing eviction due to unpaid rent. Mark believes his landlord failed to maintain the property, violating tenancy laws. What is Emma’s next logical step?
A) File a counterclaim at the Landlord and Tenant Board.
B) Advise Mark to vacate the property immediately.
C) Investigate the landlord’s maintenance history.
D) Negotiate rent repayment terms.
ANSWERS
Professional Responsibility
Olivia, a paralegal, is meeting with her client, Jacob, for the first time. Jacob has been accused of professional misconduct and needs legal representation. What should Olivia do first?
A) File a motion to dismiss the accusations.
B) Request a retainer before proceeding.
C) Ascertain Jacob’s objectives.
D) Begin researching case law.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Before taking action, Olivia must fully understand Jacob's concerns, goals, and the specific allegations against him to provide strategic legal guidance.
Jurisdiction and Fundamentals
Which test is used by courts to determine whether a federal or provincial law is valid under the division of powers?
A) Pith and substance analysis
B) Paramountcy analysis
C) Living tree doctrine
D) Ultra vires doctrine
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The pith and substance analysis assesses a law’s true subject matter to determine whether it falls within the jurisdiction of the enacting government. Courts examine both the purpose and effects of the legislation before classifying it under the appropriate head of power.
Civil Litigation
Priya, a paralegal, is consulting her client, Daniel, regarding a personal injury claim. Daniel was injured in a car accident and wants to pursue damages against the other driver. What is Priya’s best next step?
A) File a lawsuit immediately.
B) Determine whether liability exists.
C) Seek expert medical evidence.
D) Draft a settlement agreement.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Before moving forward with litigation, Priya must establish whether the other driver was legally at fault, as this impacts the potential success of Daniel’s claim.
Criminal and Quasi-Criminal Law
Jason, a paralegal, is representing his client, Laura, in a Highway Traffic Act violation case. Laura has been charged with running a red light and disputes the charge. What should Jason do first?
A) File an appeal with the Ontario Court of Justice.
B) Examine the evidence, including Laura’s testimony.
C) Contact the police officer who issued the ticket.
D) Submit a guilty plea with mitigating circumstances.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Jason must review all available evidence, such as traffic camera footage and Laura’s account, before deciding on the best course of action.
Administrative Law
Emma, a paralegal, is meeting with her client, Mark, a tenant facing eviction due to unpaid rent. Mark believes his landlord failed to maintain the property, violating tenancy laws. What is Emma’s next logical step?
A) File a counterclaim at the Landlord and Tenant Board.
B) Advise Mark to vacate the property immediately.
C) Investigate the landlord’s maintenance history.
D) Negotiate rent repayment terms.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Emma should assess whether the landlord failed to provide proper maintenance, as this could impact Mark’s defense in the eviction case.