CALIFORNIA BAR EXAMINATION – PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF.
*Core Domains*
*Constitutional Law*
*Contracts*
*Criminal Law*
*Evidence Law*
*Real Property*
*Torts*
*Professional Responsibility*
*Civil Procedure*
*Introduction*
*The California Bar Examination serves as a comprehensive assessment tool
designed to evaluate the legal proficiency and ethical readiness of
candidates seeking admission to the legal profession. This exam
incorporates a rigorous mix of foundational theory and complex
scenario-based evaluations to mirror the challenges of modern legal
practice. By focusing on critical thinking and the application of
regulatory standards, the assessment ensures that practitioners
possess the analytical skills required for high-stakes decision-making.
The following multiple-choice questions emphasize real-world
application across core legal doctrines, requiring a precise
understanding of both common law principles and statutory
requirements to ensure professional competence and public protection.*
, SECTION ONE
1. A buyer and a seller entered into a written contract for the sale of a custom-built
machine for $50,000. The contract specified that the machine must be delivered
by June 1st. On May 20th, the seller notified the buyer that they would not be
able to complete the machine until July 15th. The buyer immediately purchased
a replacement machine from another vendor for $60,000. On June 5th, the seller
notified the buyer that the original machine was actually ready. The buyer
refused to accept it.
A. The buyer is in breach because the seller retracted the repudiation before the
performance date.
B. The seller is in breach because the buyer materially changed their position in
reliance on the repudiation.
C. Neither party is in breach because the seller’s notice was an expression of doubt,
not a clear repudiation.
D. The buyer is liable for the difference in price between the two machines.
🟢 B. The seller is in breach because the buyer materially changed their position in
reliance on the repudiation.
🔴 RATIONALE: Under contract law, an anticipatory repudiation allows the non-
breaching party to treat the contract as breached and seek remedies immediately.
While a repudiation can be retracted, it cannot be retracted if the non-breaching party
has
materially changed their position, such as purchasing a replacement.
, 2. A homeowner hired a gardener to mow their lawn for $50. While mowing, the
gardener noticed the homeowner’s porch steps were rotting and offered to fix
them for an additional $200. The homeowner agreed. After the gardener finished
both tasks, the homeowner paid the $50 for the lawn but refused to pay the
$200, claiming the agreement for the steps was not in writing.
A. The agreement is unenforceable under the Statute of Frauds.
B. The agreement is enforceable because the service was completed.
C. The gardener can only recover the cost of materials.
D. The agreement is unenforceable due to lack of consideration.
🟢 B. The agreement is enforceable because the service was completed.
🔴 RATIONALE: The Statute of Frauds typically applies to contracts for the sale of
land or those that cannot be performed within a year. A contract for repair services
does not generally fall within the Statute of Frauds, and even if it did, full performance
by one party removes the contract from the Statute’s requirements.
3. In a criminal trial for assault, the prosecution seeks to introduce a witness who
will testify that they saw the defendant threaten the victim with a knife two days
before the alleged assault. The defense objects, claiming this is inadmissible
character evidence.
A. Inadmissible because it shows a propensity for violence.
B. Admissible to show the defendant’s intent or motive.
C. Admissible only if the defendant testifies first.
D. Inadmissible because it is hearsay.
🟢 B. Admissible to show the defendant’s intent or motive.
, 🔴 RATIONALE: While evidence of prior bad acts is generally inadmissible to prove
character or propensity, it is admissible under Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b) for
other purposes, such as proving motive, intent, plan, or identity.
4. A driver was speeding and struck a pedestrian who was crossing the street
outside of a marked crosswalk. In a jurisdiction following pure comparative
negligence, the jury finds the driver 60% at fault and the pedestrian 40% at fault.
The pedestrian’s total damages are $100,000.
A. The pedestrian recovers $100,000.
B. The pedestrian recovers $60,000.
C. The pedestrian recovers nothing because they were contributorily negligent.
D. The pedestrian recovers $40,000.
🟢 B. The pedestrian recovers $60,000.
🔴 RATIONALE: In a pure comparative negligence jurisdiction, the plaintiff’s recovery
is reduced by their own percentage of fault. Since the pedestrian was 40% at fault, the
$100,000 award is reduced by $40,000.
5. A state legislature passed a law requiring all commercial trucks traveling on state
highways to be equipped with a specific type of aerodynamic wind deflector to
reduce fuel consumption. This deflector is not required by federal law, and it
costs $2,000 per truck. Out-of-state trucking companies challenge the law.
A. The law is valid as a legitimate exercise of state police power.
B. The law is unconstitutional as an undue burden on interstate commerce.
C. The law is unconstitutional under the Supremacy Clause.
D. The law is valid because it promotes environmental safety.
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF.
*Core Domains*
*Constitutional Law*
*Contracts*
*Criminal Law*
*Evidence Law*
*Real Property*
*Torts*
*Professional Responsibility*
*Civil Procedure*
*Introduction*
*The California Bar Examination serves as a comprehensive assessment tool
designed to evaluate the legal proficiency and ethical readiness of
candidates seeking admission to the legal profession. This exam
incorporates a rigorous mix of foundational theory and complex
scenario-based evaluations to mirror the challenges of modern legal
practice. By focusing on critical thinking and the application of
regulatory standards, the assessment ensures that practitioners
possess the analytical skills required for high-stakes decision-making.
The following multiple-choice questions emphasize real-world
application across core legal doctrines, requiring a precise
understanding of both common law principles and statutory
requirements to ensure professional competence and public protection.*
, SECTION ONE
1. A buyer and a seller entered into a written contract for the sale of a custom-built
machine for $50,000. The contract specified that the machine must be delivered
by June 1st. On May 20th, the seller notified the buyer that they would not be
able to complete the machine until July 15th. The buyer immediately purchased
a replacement machine from another vendor for $60,000. On June 5th, the seller
notified the buyer that the original machine was actually ready. The buyer
refused to accept it.
A. The buyer is in breach because the seller retracted the repudiation before the
performance date.
B. The seller is in breach because the buyer materially changed their position in
reliance on the repudiation.
C. Neither party is in breach because the seller’s notice was an expression of doubt,
not a clear repudiation.
D. The buyer is liable for the difference in price between the two machines.
🟢 B. The seller is in breach because the buyer materially changed their position in
reliance on the repudiation.
🔴 RATIONALE: Under contract law, an anticipatory repudiation allows the non-
breaching party to treat the contract as breached and seek remedies immediately.
While a repudiation can be retracted, it cannot be retracted if the non-breaching party
has
materially changed their position, such as purchasing a replacement.
, 2. A homeowner hired a gardener to mow their lawn for $50. While mowing, the
gardener noticed the homeowner’s porch steps were rotting and offered to fix
them for an additional $200. The homeowner agreed. After the gardener finished
both tasks, the homeowner paid the $50 for the lawn but refused to pay the
$200, claiming the agreement for the steps was not in writing.
A. The agreement is unenforceable under the Statute of Frauds.
B. The agreement is enforceable because the service was completed.
C. The gardener can only recover the cost of materials.
D. The agreement is unenforceable due to lack of consideration.
🟢 B. The agreement is enforceable because the service was completed.
🔴 RATIONALE: The Statute of Frauds typically applies to contracts for the sale of
land or those that cannot be performed within a year. A contract for repair services
does not generally fall within the Statute of Frauds, and even if it did, full performance
by one party removes the contract from the Statute’s requirements.
3. In a criminal trial for assault, the prosecution seeks to introduce a witness who
will testify that they saw the defendant threaten the victim with a knife two days
before the alleged assault. The defense objects, claiming this is inadmissible
character evidence.
A. Inadmissible because it shows a propensity for violence.
B. Admissible to show the defendant’s intent or motive.
C. Admissible only if the defendant testifies first.
D. Inadmissible because it is hearsay.
🟢 B. Admissible to show the defendant’s intent or motive.
, 🔴 RATIONALE: While evidence of prior bad acts is generally inadmissible to prove
character or propensity, it is admissible under Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b) for
other purposes, such as proving motive, intent, plan, or identity.
4. A driver was speeding and struck a pedestrian who was crossing the street
outside of a marked crosswalk. In a jurisdiction following pure comparative
negligence, the jury finds the driver 60% at fault and the pedestrian 40% at fault.
The pedestrian’s total damages are $100,000.
A. The pedestrian recovers $100,000.
B. The pedestrian recovers $60,000.
C. The pedestrian recovers nothing because they were contributorily negligent.
D. The pedestrian recovers $40,000.
🟢 B. The pedestrian recovers $60,000.
🔴 RATIONALE: In a pure comparative negligence jurisdiction, the plaintiff’s recovery
is reduced by their own percentage of fault. Since the pedestrian was 40% at fault, the
$100,000 award is reduced by $40,000.
5. A state legislature passed a law requiring all commercial trucks traveling on state
highways to be equipped with a specific type of aerodynamic wind deflector to
reduce fuel consumption. This deflector is not required by federal law, and it
costs $2,000 per truck. Out-of-state trucking companies challenge the law.
A. The law is valid as a legitimate exercise of state police power.
B. The law is unconstitutional as an undue burden on interstate commerce.
C. The law is unconstitutional under the Supremacy Clause.
D. The law is valid because it promotes environmental safety.
