UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERISTY

UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS 2020/2021

FIRST YEAR ADVENT SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS FOR THE DEGREE OF

BACHELOR OF LAWS

COURSE: INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE

DATE UPLOADED: Friday 22nd January, 2021

DUE DATE FOR SUBMISSION: Thursday 28th January, 2021

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. This exam has TWO SECTIONS, Section A and B.
2. Choose ANY TWO Questions from Section A and, ANY THREE Questions from Section B.
3. This examination is a take-home open book.
4. Use of relevant authorities and or examples shall attract high scores;
5. The University rules regarding the conduct of examinations shall apply to this
examination;
6. All answers should be referenced with proper footnotes and bibliography. Any form of
plagiarism will be penalised, including cancellation of the candidate’s submission.
7. Examination answer scripts submitted after the deadline shall be rejected;
8. Use the Trebuchet MS font type; size 12, Line spacing 1.5;
9. Do Not write more than 20 pages, inclusive of footnotes and bibliography;
10. Be typed in digital word format and submitted in Portable Document Format (pdf); and
11. Submit your examination answers to the University through this link:
https://forms.gle/kAMtbTWXQiChAsQD7
12. When submitting this exam, use this format: REG NO_PROGRAM &YEAR_COURSE UNIT
NAME (e.g., S17B05/001_BBA2_Business Economics)
13. the file name should be your registration number.
14. This exam will be subjected to a plagiarism check.

Background: The questions in this examination may be drawn from any of the course material
and content that has been presented during the semester lectures, texts and readings,
discussions, etc. Students may use any of these materials for reference, BUT students must
provide citation for any material used. Examinations measure:
} students’ knowledge of the material;
} students’ knowledge and ability to apply material taught in class.
} students’ analytical and reasoning skills.
} students’ ability to express themselves creatively and communicate effectively.
} students’ ability to synthesize material and draw conclusions from multiple sources.
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 Section A (Bible reflection questions): attempt two questions from this section

Question One:
The Bible establishes a sequence of kings ruling subject to the guidance of the prophets for
example Saul with Samuel, David with Nathan and Ahad with Elijah. Flowing from the figures
highlighted, elaborate on the reality of this phenomena in scripture, underscoring in brief the
implication of the same for political rule in the face of religion today. (20 Marks)

Question Two:
Establish the context of the book of lamentations in terms of authorship, recipients and major
concerns raised in the book. How best can the concerns observed be dealt with in your nation
today? (20Marks)

Question Three:
Highlight at least six major lessons, you have personally learnt through studying the
introduction to bible for law course, and clearly show how these lessons are likely to impact
your perspective of the legal profession and the future practice thereof. (20 Marks)

Section B (Bible Application questions): Attempt three questions from this section

Question Four:
Here is your short essay on Plastic Surgery!
Plastic surgery is a field of medical science associated with correcting the form and function
of a body part. Many deformities and functional deficiencies can be partially or completely
eliminated with the help of this science. Greek word “Plastikos” has the origin of this
procedure which means fit to mould. Reconstruction and cosmetic are two aspects of plastic
surgery. Although a surgery may be carried out for both reconstructive and cosmetic
purposes, there are some surgeries that are intended to purely heal and reconstruct the
functional aspect. Others may focus on aesthetic aspect but the base of a cosmetic surgery
lies in reconstructive approach. When a tumor inside the brain has to be operated for
reconstruction, it is a reconstructive plastic surgery. Cosmetic procedures are usually done to
improve self-confidence and enhance apparent beauty.

The normal body structures like nose, cheeks, chin etc. may be reconstructed surgically or
non-surgically in order to obtain desired shape. Candidates who opt for cosmetic surgery must
carry a positive outlook and a realistic attitude to see desired changes in self-image. Its
purpose should solely be a higher self-esteem and it should never be sought as a way to
impress anyone or change yourself as others expect you to look like. Treatment of burns,
microsurgery and hand surgery are some other types of plastic surgery. Sushruta is known to
be the father of Surgery and is known to make contributions to the field of surgical operations
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in 6th century B.C. It is believed that the reconstructive surgical procedures were in place by
800 B.C. Walter Yeo is the first person known to have got benefit from plastic surgery in 1917.
Even the ancient Romans are known to have carried out plastic surgery to reconstruct body
parts like ears. It was only after anesthesia like techniques were devised that plastic surgery
became a painless process. Gradually sterile techniques were introduced to reduce chances of
infection. Antibiotics like penicillin and sulfonamide made these elective surgeries even more
effective.

Skin grafting is the most common technique used in plastic surgery. The source of this skin
tissue may be the donor or the recipient. Functional deficits resulting from burns, injuries
from a traumatic incident, fracture of facial bones, cancers or tumors, developmental
complications etc. are possible to correct using the reconstructive plastic surgery. Thus, hand
surgery, repair of scars, breast reduction plasty, breast reconstruction after a mastectomy,
creating an outer ear missing congenitally, etc. are some reconstructive types of plastic
procedures. Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, craniofacial surgery in children and adults,
reconstructing benign lesions of skin, head and neck through surgical and laser treatment are
others in the category.

Cosmetic surgery is another procedure which is done to improve physical appearance and
reduce signs of aging in a person. Botox and injectable fillers used on face, eyelid surgery for
cosmetic and functional purposes, cosmetic ear surgery, facelift surgery, liposuction, lifting
and shaping procedures of the body and cosmetic breast surgery are some types of commonly
done cosmetic surgical procedures.

Article by Pragati Ghosh.

a. From the article above, summarize and briefly explain the two major motivations for
plastic surgery. (4 Marks)
b. From a biblically biased point of view, provide a moral commentary on plastic surgery,
underscoring to what extent plastic surgery must be defended and to the extent it ought
to be rejected. (10 Marks)
c. What legal ramifications should your biblical-moral observations in (b) above have in the
event that Uganda’s legislature elects to legislate on the question of plastic surgery in
Uganda? (6 Marks)

Question Five:
For all purposes and intends today the practical and proper operationalization of law in
civilized nations, unfolds in the form of substantive law, which substantive law must be
carefully applied through well-established legal procedures by properly definable legal
structures.

Good substantive law is arranged in a hierarchical manner, with most nations having a
constitution from which other laws-Acts of parliament derive their authority and must at all
times remain in synch with the same, for them to retain their validity. The principal of higher

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law validating lower law, continues down the hierchary giving credence to other laws beneath
the Acts of parliament, for example the people’s customs and what we know today as bye-
laws. Furthermore, there is a litany of procedures that must be strictly followed in the event
that there is a breach of what constitutes the realm of substantive law. These are used as a
reliable shield against the miscarriage of justice in the enforcement and enjoyment of
substantive law by those who deserve such enjoyment and enforcement in their favor.

For efficiency, efficacy and justice’s sake, both substantive and procedural laws are
channeled carefully through well-established authoritative court structures, manned by well
skilled and experienced men and women who are up to the task of ensuring that justice is
done, at whatever level substantive law must be enforced through the requisite court
procedure.

In all cases, breach of substantive law demands related reprimands which may be punitive or
compensatory, aimed at righting the wrong(s) occasioned to those who suffer the said
breaches, which reprimands too are arrived at through the established procedure and justice
structures. While the above systems are in place, in developing countries like Uganda, the
greater majority of Ugandans are still accustomed to other informal approaches of getting
justice done, owing to a series of hindrances in pursuing justice through the formal approach
highlighted above.

Whether formal or informal, aspects of substantive law, procedural law through formal and
informal justice structures have a semblance with bible approaches to Justice

a. With relevant examples from your country, evaluate the actuality of the essay above
as relates to questions of law and justice in your country. (8 Marks)
b. Trace and account for the extent to which your findings in (a) above mimic the
Justice system in Old Testament scriptures. (12 Marks)

Question Six:
Read reflectively the preamble and some of the rights under the Universal declaration of
human rights of 1948 and answer the related questions thereunder.

Preamble
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all
members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have
outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall
enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as
the highest aspiration of the common people,

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Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to
rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule
of law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in
fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal
rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better
standards of life in larger freedom,

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in cooperation with the United
Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and
fundamental freedoms,

Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance
for the full realization of this pledge,

Now, therefore, The General Assembly Proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Rights
as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every
individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive
by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by
progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective
recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among
the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.

Article 1: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed
with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Article 2: Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration,
without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other
opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction
shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country
or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing
or under any other limitation of sovereignty.
Article 3: Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
Article 4: No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be
prohibited in all their forms.
Article 5: No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
or punishment.
Article 6: Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
Article 7: All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal
protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in
violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

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Article 8: Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals
for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.
Article 9: No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
Article 10: Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent
and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal
Charge against him.

a) Evaluate the preamble and the provisions of the Universal declaration of human rights
above in light of a biblical conception of human rights that you have learnt from studying
the introduction to bible for law course Unit and the bible in general. (12Marks)
b) With the use examples of your choice, how do some of postmodern individual rights that
were not originally enshrined in the Universal declaration of human rights contradict the
biblical conception of human rights today? (8 Marks)

Question Seven:
Read the Bible text below and answer the questions that follow:

The LORD’s Case against Israel

1Listen to what the LORD says: “Stand up, plead my case before the mountains; let the hills
hear what you have to say.2“Hear, your mountains, the LORD’s accusation; listen, you
everlasting foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against his people; he is lodging
a charge against Israel.3“My people, what have I done to you? How have I burdened you?
Answer me. 4I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. I sent
Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam. 5My people, remember what Balak king of Moab
plotted and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to
Gilgal, that you may know the righteous acts of the LORD.”6With what shall I come before
the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?

7Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I
offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8He has
shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and
to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Israel’s Guilt and Punishment

9Listen! The LORD is calling to the city—and to fear your name is wisdom— “Heed the rod and
the One who appointed it. 10Am I still to forget your ill-gotten treasures, you wicked house,
and the short ephah, which is accursed? 11Shall I acquit someone with dishonest scales, with
a bag of false weights? 12Your rich people are violent; your inhabitants are liars and their
tongues speak deceitfully. 3Therefore, I have begun to destroy you, to ruin you because of
your sins.14You will eat but not be satisfied; your stomach will still be empty. You will store
up but save nothing, because what you save, I will give to the sword.15You will plant but not
harvest; you will press olives but not use the oil, you will crush grapes but not drink the wine.
16You have observed the statutes of Omri and all the practices of Ahab’s house; you have
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followed their traditions. Therefore, I will give you over to ruin and your people to derision;
you will bear the scorn of the nations.

a) From the above text, what does God demand of Israel and why does he make this
demand and what will be the consequences of not heeding the demand? (4Marks)
b) By the use of relevant examples in the bible of your choice, show how the text
above reecho God’s heart for Justice in scripture as a whole. (6Marks)
c) As an upcoming lawyer/advocate, underscore some of the injustices you are aware
of in your country and how you intend represent the God of Justice in dealing
with them as you go about your legal practice in the near future? (10 Marks)

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