CBSE Class XI Legal Studies
Complete Chapter-wise Syllabus 2025-26 | Subject Code: 074
Course Overview
Theory Paper
80
Marks
Project Work
20
Marks
Duration
3
Hours
Total Units
5
Units
Learning Objectives
- Understanding the basic concepts of state, government, and political institutions
- Developing knowledge of the Constitution of India and its fundamental features
- Building foundation in jurisprudence, nature and sources of law
- Analyzing the structure and functioning of the Indian judiciary system
- Exploring family justice system and protection of rights
- Understanding legal processes in civil and criminal courts
- Developing skills for legal research and case analysis
- Building awareness of contemporary legal issues and reforms
Unit-wise Marks Distribution
| Unit No. | Unit Name | Theory Marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Political Institutions | 15 | 18.75% |
| 2 | Basic Features of the Constitution of India | 15 | 18.75% |
| 3 | Jurisprudence, Nature and Sources of Laws | 15 | 18.75% |
| 4 | Judiciary: Constitutional, Civil and Criminal Courts | 20 | 25% |
| 5 | Family Justice System | 15 | 18.75% |
| 6 | Project Work | 20 | 20% |
| Total | 100 | 100% | |
Note: Judiciary unit carries the highest weightage (25%) followed by equal distribution across other units
Detailed Unit-wise Curriculum
NCERT Textbook Reference
Legal Studies for Class XI covers all fundamental concepts of law, constitution, and legal institutions
Follow @menturox.in for UpdatesUnit 1: Introduction to Political Institutions 15 Marks
Chapter 1: Concept of State
- What is a State? - Basic understanding and definitions
- Article 12 of Indian Constitution
- Government - meaning, emergence, and functions
- Theories of Origin of State
- Essential Elements of State
- Role of State in modern times
Chapter 2: Forms and Organs of Government
- Different forms: Monarchy, Aristocracy, Dictatorship
- Democracy and its characteristics
- Functions of Legislature (law-making body)
- Functions of Executive (implementation)
- Functions of Judiciary (interpretation and justice)
Chapter 3: Separation of Powers
- Montesquieu's Doctrine of Separation of Powers
- Checks and Balances system
- Impact on governance and democracy
- Application in Britain
- Application in USA
- Application in India
Unit 2: Basic Features of the Constitution of India 15 Marks
Chapter 4: Constitution - Meaning and Features
- Definition and meaning of Constitution
- Historical perspective and development
- Salient Features of Indian Constitution:
- • Modern Constitution with democratic values
- • World's lengthiest written Constitution
- • Preamble - objectives and significance
- • Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles
- • Fundamental Duties of citizens
- • Amendment procedure and flexibility
- • Adult suffrage and universal franchise
- • Single citizenship concept
- • Independent Judiciary
- • Emergency provisions
- • Federal structure with unitary bias
- • Centre-State relations
- • Schedules and their significance
Unit 3: Jurisprudence, Nature and Sources of Laws 15 Marks
Chapter 5: Jurisprudence and Nature of Law
- Jurisprudence - meaning and scope
- Nature and meaning of Law
- Historical perspective of legal development
- Different schools of Jurisprudence
- Functions of Law in society
Chapter 6: Classification and Sources of Laws
- Classification of Laws by:
- • Subject matter (Civil, Criminal, Constitutional)
- • Scope (Local, National, International)
- • Jurisdiction (Central, State, Local)
- Sources of Law:
- • Custom and its role in law development
- • Judicial Precedent and case law
- • Legislation - primary source
Chapter 7: Law Reform and Cyber Laws
- Need for Law Reform in changing times
- Law Reform in India - historical perspective
- Recent Legal Reforms and their impact
- Cyber Laws, Safety, and Security in India:
- • Introduction to digital age challenges
- • Need for cyber law protection
- • Definitions of cyber crimes
- • Types of cyber crimes and offenses
- • IT Act provisions and Section 66A
Unit 4: Judiciary System 20 Marks
Chapter 8: Constitutional Courts
- Establishment of Supreme Court and High Courts
- Constitutional provisions and structure
- Roles and jurisdiction
- Independence and impartiality of judiciary
- Hierarchical structure of courts
Chapter 9: Civil Courts and Process
- Important legal terms in civil law
- Different types of jurisdictions
- Res subjudice - matter pending in court
- Res judicata - matter already decided
- Civil procedure and court processes
Chapter 10: Criminal Courts and Process
- Classification of offenses
- Investigation procedures
- FIR (First Information Report) process
- Prosecution and trial procedures
- Doctrine of autrefois acquit and convict
- Role of Police in criminal justice
Chapter 11: Specialized Courts
- Family Courts - structure and jurisdiction
- Administrative Tribunals
- Special courts for specific matters
- Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms
Unit 5: Family Justice System 15 Marks
Chapter 12: Family Law Framework
- Institutional Framework for family matters
- Marriage laws and procedures
- Divorce laws and processes
- Family Courts - role and functioning
- Women's role in family justice
- Role of lawyers and counselors
- Gender equality in family law
Chapter 13: Child Rights and Protection
- Child Rights to:
- • Education and learning opportunities
- • Health and medical care
- • Shelter and safe environment
- Protection from child labor
- Protection from abuse and exploitation
- Juvenile Justice system and procedures
Chapter 14: Adoption and Guardianship
- Adoption laws and procedures
- Minor custody issues
- Guardianship rights and responsibilities
- Legal protection for minors
Chapter 15: Property and Succession
- Property rights and ownership:
- • Joint property concepts
- • Separate property rights
- Succession and Inheritance laws:
- • Intestate succession (without will)
- • Testamentary succession (with will)
Chapter 16: Prevention of Violence Against Women
- Domestic violence and abuse
- International laws for women protection
- Indian laws for women safety
- Legal remedies and support systems
Project Work Guidelines (20 Marks)
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT - 20% of Total Marks
Project Requirements
Choose ONE project from three options
Minimum Length: 15 pages
Format: Well-organized with proper research
Nature: Independent legal research and analysis
Project Options (Choose Any One)
Option 1: Legal Issue Analysis
- Select a legal issue from textbook or current affairs
- Research background and context
- Analyze different perspectives
- Study impact on society
- Suggest solutions or improvements
- Include relevant case studies
Option 2: Recent Legislation Study
- Choose recent legislation or amendment
- Study the need for such law
- Analyze social change objectives
- Compare with previous laws
- Evaluate effectiveness and impact
- Include stakeholder perspectives
Option 3: Judicial Decision Analysis
- Select 5 decided cases of different types:
- • 1 Civil case
- • 1 Criminal case
- • 1 Constitutional case
- • 1 International law case
- • 1 PIL or any other type
- Analyze facts, legal issues, and judgments
- Study legal principles established
Project Assessment Criteria
Preparation & Presentation
5 Marks
Organization, clarity, and professional presentation
Research Quality
5 Marks
Depth of research, data quality, and source credibility
Legal Concept Understanding
5 Marks
Understanding and application of legal concepts
Viva-Voce
5 Marks
Oral examination on project and legal understanding
Project Work Guidelines
- Choose topics based on current legal developments and reforms
- Use authentic sources like government websites, legal databases
- Include case studies and real-world examples
- Follow proper research methodology with citations
- Present clear introduction, analysis, and conclusion
- Include legal implications and social impact
- Maintain proper organization with source list
- Prepare for comprehensive viva-voce examination
- Ensure originality and avoid plagiarism
- Connect theoretical concepts with practical applications
Examination Pattern
Question Paper Design
Total Marks: 100 | Theory: 80 | Project: 20
Duration: 3 Hours | Subject Code: 074
| Question Type | Cognitive Level | Marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remembering and Understanding | Knowledge & Comprehension | 32 | 40% |
| Applying | Application | 24 | 30% |
| Analysing, Evaluating and Creating | Higher Order Thinking | 24 | 30% |
| Total Theory + Project | 100 | 100% | |
Assessment Features
- Equal emphasis on theoretical understanding and practical application
- Case study analysis and legal scenario-based questions
- Constitutional law and fundamental rights analysis
- Current legal issues and recent reforms evaluation
- Comparative analysis of different legal systems
- Understanding of legal procedures and court processes
- Family law and social justice applications
- Integration of jurisprudence with contemporary legal challenges
Success Strategies
Preparation Tips
- Master foundational concepts of state, government, and constitution
- Understand the structure and functioning of Indian judiciary
- Study important constitutional articles and their significance
- Keep updated with current legal reforms and amendments
- Practice case study analysis and legal scenario questions
- Understand the connection between law and social justice
- Learn legal terminology and court procedures
- Study family law provisions and child protection measures
- Analyze landmark judgments and their impact
- Work on project throughout the year with regular guidance
- Read legal newspapers and current affairs related to law
- Practice previous year questions and sample papers regularly
Career Opportunities
Legal Profession
- Lawyer/Advocate
- Public Prosecutor
- Legal Advisor
- Corporate Lawyer
- Constitutional Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Civil Rights Lawyer
Judicial Services
- District Judge
- Magistrate
- Family Court Judge
- Administrative Tribunal Member
- Judicial Officer
- Court Administrator
- Legal Research Officer
Government Services
- Civil Services (IAS, IPS)
- Legal Advisor to Government
- Public Prosecutor
- Legislative Drafting
- Legal Affairs Department
- Human Rights Commission
- Election Commission
Corporate & Business
- Corporate Legal Counsel
- Compliance Officer
- Contract Specialist
- Intellectual Property Lawyer
- Mergers & Acquisitions Lawyer
- Banking Law Specialist
- Insurance Law Expert
International Organizations
- International Court of Justice
- United Nations Legal Affairs
- International Human Rights Organizations
- World Trade Organization
- International Criminal Court
- Diplomatic Services
- International Law Firms
Academia & Research
- Law Professor
- Legal Researcher
- Law School Dean
- Legal Writer & Author
- Policy Research Analyst
- Think Tank Researcher
- Legal Journalism
Important Resources
Official CBSE Resources
- NCERT Legal Studies Textbook Class XI
- CBSE Sample Papers 2025-26
- Previous Year Question Papers
- CBSE Marking Schemes
- Supplementary Reading Material
- Project Work Guidelines
Constitutional Resources
- Constitution of India (Official Text)
- Constitutional Assembly Debates
- Supreme Court Judgments
- High Court Decisions
- Law Commission Reports
- Parliamentary Debates
Legal Databases
- Indian Kanoon (Free Legal Database)
- Supreme Court of India Website
- High Court Websites
- Bar Council of India Resources
- Legal Services Authority Materials
- Government Legal Portals
Current Affairs Sources
- Live Law
- Bar & Bench
- Legal News Websites
- Supreme Court Observer
- Legal Affairs Magazines
- Government Press Releases
Human Rights Resources
- National Human Rights Commission
- State Human Rights Commissions
- National Commission for Women
- National Commission for Minorities
- Child Rights Commission Materials
- UN Human Rights Documents
Download Links
- NCERT Legal Studies Class XI Textbook
- Constitution of India (Official PDF)
- Legal Studies Sample Papers
- Project Work Templates
- Legal Terminology Glossary
- Case Study Analysis Formats
Academic Timeline 2025-26
| Period | Activity | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| April - July 2025 | Units 1-2 Coverage | Political Institutions, Constitution Basics |
| August - October 2025 | Units 3-4 Coverage | Jurisprudence, Judiciary System |
| November - December 2025 | Unit 5 & Project Start | Family Justice System, Project Topic Selection |
| January 2026 | Project Completion | Project Research, Analysis, and Presentation |
| February 2026 | Project Assessment | Project Submission and Viva-Voce |
| March 2026 | Annual Examination | Comprehensive Theory Examination |
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