100+ Free Sierra Leone Bar Finals Practice Questions

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Sample Sierra Leone Bar Finals Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Sierra Leone Bar Finals exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under the High Court Rules 2007 of Sierra Leone, which of the following is the standard originating process used to begin an ordinary civil action where substantial disputes of fact are expected?

A.Writ of Summons

B.Originating Summons

C.Petition

D.Notice of Motion

Explanation: A Writ of Summons is the standard originating process under the High Court Rules 2007 for actions where substantial disputes of fact are anticipated. Originating Summons is used when the main issue is the construction of a written law, deed, or contract, and there is unlikely to be any substantial dispute of fact.

2What is the life of a concurrent Writ of Summons in the first instance for service within the jurisdiction of Sierra Leone under the High Court Rules 2007?

A.12 months

B.6 months

C.3 months

D.24 months

Explanation: Under the High Court Rules 2007 of Sierra Leone, a Writ of Summons (including a concurrent writ) remains valid for service in the first instance for 12 months beginning with the date of its issue. If not served within this period, an application for renewal must be made before its expiry.

3How must a Writ of Summons be served on a company incorporated in Sierra Leone under the Companies Act 2009 and High Court Rules?

A.By leaving it at or sending it by registered post to the registered office of the company

B.By personal service on any shareholder of the company

C.By publishing it in the Gazette and one national newspaper

D.By leaving it with the chief security officer at any company branch office

Explanation: Service of a writ or legal process on a registered company is effected by leaving it at, or sending it by registered post to, the registered office of the company. This is the statutory method of service on corporate bodies to ensure proper legal notice.

4In a civil suit in the High Court of Sierra Leone, within how many days must a defendant served within the jurisdiction enter an appearance after being served with a Writ of Summons?

A.8 days

B.14 days

C.21 days

D.30 days

Explanation: Under Order 12 rule 11 of the High Court Rules 2007, the time limited for appearance in the case of a writ served within Sierra Leone is 14 days after the service of the writ. Failure to enter an appearance within that time may entitle the plaintiff to apply for judgment in default of appearance.

5Under Order 14 of the High Court Rules 2007, which condition must be met before a plaintiff can apply for summary judgment on the ground that the defendant has no defense?

A.The defendant must have entered an appearance in the action

B.The defendant must have failed to file a defence within 30 days

C.The court must have ordered pleadings to be closed

D.A preliminary objection must have been raised and dismissed

Explanation: An application for summary judgment under Order 14 can only be made after the defendant has entered an appearance. Once appearance is entered, the plaintiff can apply on the ground that the defendant has no defence to the claim or part of it, except in cases of libel, slander, malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, or seduction.

6If a Statement of Claim is not indorsed on the writ, by when must the plaintiff serve it under Order 21 of the High Court Rules 2007?

A.Before the expiration of 10 days after the time limited for appearance

B.Within 7 days after the writ is issued

C.Within 21 days after the close of pleadings

D.Within 30 days after the defendant files a defence

Explanation: Under Order 21 rule 1 of the High Court Rules 2007, unless a statement of claim is indorsed on the writ, the plaintiff must serve it on the defendant either when the writ is served or at any time after service of the writ but before the expiration of 10 days after the time limited for appearance.

7Within what period must a defendant who has appeared serve their Statement of Defence under Order 21 of the High Court Rules 2007?

A.30 days

B.14 days

C.10 days

D.45 days

Explanation: Under Order 21 rule 2 of the High Court Rules 2007, a defendant who appears must serve a defence before the expiration of 10 days after the time limited for appearance, or after the statement of claim is served on him, whichever is the later, unless the Court gives leave to the contrary.

8If a defendant claims that a third party is liable to contribute or indemnify them against the plaintiff's claim, what procedure must the defendant initiate?

A.Third-Party Procedure

B.Interpleader Summons

C.Representative Action

D.Counterclaim

Explanation: Third-Party Procedure is used when a defendant seeks contribution, indemnity, or other relief against a person who is not already a party to the action. It allows the third party to be brought into the suit so that all related claims can be resolved in a single trial.

9Which originating process is appropriate for a Sheriff who has seized property under a writ of execution, only to have a third party claim ownership of the seized property?

A.Sheriff's Interpleader Summons

B.Writ of Summons

C.Originating Summons

D.Notice of Motion for Release

Explanation: A Sheriff's Interpleader Summons is the correct procedural mechanism when property seized under execution is claimed by a third party. It brings the execution creditor and the third-party claimant before the court to determine who has title to the property.

10In an urgent application for an interlocutory injunction to prevent imminent damage before a formal application can be heard, what must the applicant file?

A.Ex parte Motion supported by an Affidavit of Urgency

B.Originating Summons with a Statement of Claim

C.Motion on Notice without any supporting documents

D.Letter of request to the Chief Justice

Explanation: In cases of extreme urgency, an applicant may apply for an interim injunction ex parte (without notice to the other side) supported by an affidavit setting out the facts showing the urgency and the potential irreparable damage. This is temporary until a Motion on Notice can be heard.

About the Sierra Leone Bar Finals Exam

The Sierra Leone Law School Final Examination (Bar Finals) is the professional qualifying exam taken at the end of the one-year program at the Sierra Leone Law School. Administered by the Council of Legal Education, it tests candidates on their practical application of law across civil procedure, criminal litigation, conveyancing, corporate practice, family and probate law, evidence, and professional ethics. Success in these exams is the mandatory prerequisite for admission to the Sierra Leone Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor. This practice bank provides 100 high-quality, comprehensive multiple-choice questions aligned with the syllabus.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

Typically 3 hours per paper. This practice bank is untimed study material.

Passing Score

A candidate must pass all subjects. Typically, a minimum score of 50% in each paper is required, or as determined by the Council.

Exam Fee

Tuition for the one-year course is NLe 35,000. Contact the Registrar for current examination registration fees. (Council of Legal Education, Sierra Leone Law School)

Sierra Leone Bar Finals Exam Content Outline

20%

Civil Procedure

High Court Rules 2007, originating processes, pleadings, motions, trials, enforcement of judgments, and appellate procedures in Sierra Leone.

20%

Criminal Procedure

Arrest, warrants, bail, summary trials, preliminary investigations, indictments, and trial procedures under the Criminal Procedure Act 1965.

15%

Law of Evidence

Relevance, admissibility, hearsay rule and its exceptions, witness competency and compellability, and burden of proof in civil and criminal proceedings.

15%

Conveyancing and Land Law

Dual land tenure system (Western Area vs. Provinces), deeds, leases, registration of instruments, and drafting land documents.

15%

Corporate and Commercial Practice

Incorporation, share capital, directors' duties, company secretary requirements, and dissolution under the Companies Act 2009.

10%

Family Law and Administration of Estates

Marriage types, divorce, probate, wills, intestacy, and administration of estates under the Administration of Estates Act.

Professional Conduct and Ethics

Duties to the court, client, and profession under the Legal Practitioners (Code of Conduct) Rules 2010 and the role of the General Legal Council.

How to Pass the Sierra Leone Bar Finals Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: A candidate must pass all subjects. Typically, a minimum score of 50% in each paper is required, or as determined by the Council.
Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
Time limit: Typically 3 hours per paper. This practice bank is untimed study material.
Exam fee: Tuition for the one-year course is NLe 35,000. Contact the Registrar for current examination registration fees.

Keys to Passing

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Sierra Leone Bar Finals Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study the High Court Rules 2007 for Civil Procedure and the Criminal Procedure Act (including 1965/2024 provisions) thoroughly, paying close attention to timelines, originating processes, and court jurisdictions.

2Focus heavily on legal drafting, including the formal structures of writs, indictments, conveyances, leases, company registration documents, and probate/administration petitions.

3Memorize the Code of Conduct Rules 2010 for Legal Practitioners and understand the functions and powers of the General Legal Council and the Disciplinary Committee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the Sierra Leone Bar Final Examinations?

The Bar Finals consist of written examinations testing practical legal drafting, procedure, and application. The papers cover Civil Procedure, Criminal Procedure, Conveyancing, Corporate Law, and Professional Ethics. In addition, advocacy skills are evaluated through mock trials (moots) and court attendance requirements.

What is the passing criteria for the Sierra Leone Bar Finals?

Candidates must pass every subject to qualify for call to the Bar. Historically, a minimum pass mark of 50% per paper is required. If a student fails one or two papers, they may be referred to retake those specific papers; failing more typically requires repeating the year.

What are the tuition and examination fees for the Sierra Leone Law School?

For the 2024/2025 academic year, the tuition fee for the professional program is NLe 35,000. Additional fees for applications, vouchers, and examinations are determined annually by the Council of Legal Education.

Who administers the Sierra Leone Law School and Bar Examinations?

The examinations and professional training are administered and regulated by the Council of Legal Education of Sierra Leone, which is the governing statutory body for legal education in the country.