Bar Exams

Multiple choice to be part of 2005 bar exams -- SC justice

Tetch Torres
INQ7.net

MULTIPLE choice will be included in the bar exams on September 4, 11, 18, and 25, according to the chairman of the committee tasked to formulate this year's tests.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Romeo Callejo Sr. told law school deans that he had asked the bar examiners to submit five multiple-choice type questions for possible inclusion in the examination.

During a knowledge-sharing forum on professional examinations however Callejo clarified that the examinees would still be required to explain their answers. "I will not allow guessing under my watch."

He said that even in actual practice, lawyers were required to explain their answers to certain questions.

"Allowing the examinees to explain their answers will train them to develop logic and correct reasoning," Callejo said.

In June 2004, the Supreme Court issued Bar Matter 1161, which outlines reforms such as using multiple choice on 30 to 40 percent of the total number of questions and the appointment of a tenured board of examiners.

There are 5,777 examinees this year.