2023 Bar Examinations - Criminal Law - September 24, 2023

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Hazel

2023 Bar Examinations - Criminal Law from the Supreme Court of the Philippines provide instructions and requirements for a four-hour, 100-point essay exam. The document explains how to read and answer 20 essay questions, present clear legal analysis with a yes-or-no opening, follow the prescribed Examplify formatting, and avoid any markings to prevent disqualification. It also covers time management, using flags, handling technical issues, using screen-hiding if stepping out, reviewing answers before submission, and showing confirmation to the proctor.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Exam Instructions

Format, answering rules, and disqualification warnings

Time management and exam system procedures

Sample Essay Questions

Jurisdiction and person-based arguments in counterfeiting case

Mistake of fact and application of Article 247

Kidnapping with ransom and subsequent killing

Modifying circumstances in physical assault during an event

Rape by direct participation vs inducement and irresistible force

Presidential pardon effects on accessory penalties and eligibility

Republic of the Philippines Supreme Court of the Philippines Manila 2023 BAR EXAMINATIONS CRIMINAL LAW September 24, 2023 (8:00 A.M.– 12:00 P.M.) 1. This is a 4-hour examination consisting of 20 essay-type questions worth five points each, for a total of 100 points. There are no sub-questions. 2. Read each question carefully. 3. Provide a clear and concise answer by demonstrating your ability to give a complete analysis of the facts, apply the correct legal basis, and arrive at a sound and logical conclusion. Always begin your answer with a “yes” or “no”, unless the question requires a different response. A mere “yes” or “no” answer will not be given credit. 4. Follow the prescribed format in the Examplify Manual (font style Times New Roman and font size 14) . Do not make any markings on your answers. Marking of submitted answers consists of writing your name, distinguishing marks, or extraneous words or phrases in any of the answers. This may be considered cheating and may disqualify you from the 2023 Bar Examinations. 5. Allocate your time efficiently. Examplify allows you to skip items and move to items that you may find easier to answer. Use the “Flag” feature to return to the unanswered items. 6. Do not panic in the rare case that you experience technical issues during the exam. Do not attempt to submit your exam answers. Call the attention of your proctor for assistance. 7. If you need to step out of the room, use the “Hide Screen” feature to prevent anyone from seeing your answers. 8. Make sure you have completed and reviewed all of your answers before submitting the exam. When submitting, the system will ask you one more time to confirm if you are ready to submit your answer file, giving you another opportunity to review your answers. 9. Once done, show your proctor the green screen confirming your submission. If the green screen does not appear, check with your proctor before leaving the room. 10. You can do it. RAMON PAUL L. HERNANDO Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines Chairperson, 2023 Bar Examinations 1. Catalina, a Spanish national, and Conrado, a Filipino, set up a counterfeiting factory in Shenzhen, China. Their factory produces fake United States (US) Dollars, Japanese Yen, and Philippine Pesos, which are distributed only in Europe and the US. While vacationing in Panglao, Bohol, they were arrested by a special task force of the National Bureau of Investigation on the strength of a warrant of arrest issued by a Philippine court for Counterfeiting and Forgery. Both Catalina and Conrado claimed that the Philippine court does not have jurisdiction over them since they did not commit any criminal act within the territory of the Philippines. Catalina also argued that the Philippine court does not have jurisdiction over her person as she is a Spanish citizen. Are Catalina and Conrado correct? Discuss. 2. When Joey came home from work, he saw a man and a woman making love in the main bedroom. Enraged at the thought that his wife, Abby, was unfaithful to him, he shot the man and woman to death. However, the couple turned out to bethe driver and kasambahay. The families of the decedents filed a case of double Homicide against Joey. Joey invoked the defense of mistake of fact, arguing that he thought the persons he shot were his wife and her lover. Thus, he is entitled to the privilege or benefit of Article 247 of the Revised Penal Code, which entitles a legally married person, who having surprised his or her spouse in the act of sexual intercourse, kills or seriously injures the same, to the penalty of destierro for being an exceptional circumstance. Is Joey correct in invoking the defense of mistake of fact? Discuss. 3. Domeng, in conspiracy with Dado and Dario, kidnapped and detained 9-year-old Rosanna. They demanded ₱2 million as ransom money from the family of Rosanna in exchange for her life and liberty, which the family agreed to pay. However, Domeng, Dado, and

FAQs

What is the overall structure and scoring of the 2023 Criminal Law Bar Exam?

It is a four-hour examination consisting of 20 essay-type questions, worth five points each for a total of 100 points, with no sub-questions.

How should examinees start their answers, and what formatting rules must be followed?

Answers must be clear and concise, demonstrating factual analysis, correct legal basis, and logical conclusions. Each answer should begin with “yes” or “no” unless a different response is required, and answers must follow the prescribed Examplify Manual formatting (Times New Roman, 14pt) without making any markings.

What should an examinee do if technical issues occur during the exam or when stepping out of the room?

Do not attempt to submit the exam answers. Call the proctor for assistance. If stepping out, use the “Hide Screen” feature to prevent others from seeing responses.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Hazel