GELE Cadastral Surveys & Land Laws — Geodetic Engineering Law and Code of EthicsExam Answer Templates

Marks

1

Topic

Geodetic Engineering Law — RA 8560

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T1

Examiner Tip

The RA number is the mark trigger. Examiners scan for '8560' first. Everything else in the sentence is supporting detail.

Model Answer

The practice of geodetic engineering in the Philippines is currently governed by Republic Act No. 8560, known as the Philippine Geodetic Engineering Act of 1998.

Question Type

very_short_answer

Answer Structure

• Line 1: State the RA number and its full title — this single line earns the 1 mark.

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Writing 'PD 1529' or 'CA 141' — these are land laws, not the profession law.
• Leaving out the RA number and writing only 'the geodetic engineering law' — too vague to earn the mark.
• Confusing RA 8560 with RA 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act) or other statutes.

Key Phrases To Include

• Republic Act No. 8560
• Philippine Geodetic Engineering Act of 1998
• RA 4374 (acceptable as predecessor)

Marks

1

Topic

Regulatory Board and PRC

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T2

Examiner Tip

The full board name has the word 'Geodetic Engineering' in it — spell it out completely to avoid confusion with other PRC boards.

Model Answer

The Professional Regulatory Board of Geodetic Engineering, operating under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), administers the licensure examination and regulates geodetic engineering practice.

Question Type

very_short_answer

Answer Structure

• Line 1: Name the Professional Regulatory Board of Geodetic Engineering AND the PRC — both are needed for a complete 1-mark answer.

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Writing only 'PRC' without naming the specific board.
• Writing 'DENR' or 'LMB' — these are survey-standards bodies, not the licensure regulator.
• Writing 'Board of Geodetic Engineers' — incorrect official name.

Key Phrases To Include

• Professional Regulatory Board of Geodetic Engineering
• Professional Regulation Commission
• PRC

Marks

2

Topic

Scope of Practice — RA 8560

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T3

Examiner Tip

The word 'exclusively' is powerful here — it signals that non-licensees are prohibited. Pair the definition with the enumeration to guarantee both marks.

Model Answer

The scope of practice of geodetic engineering under RA 8560 refers to the professional activities that are exclusively reserved for licensed geodetic engineers. These include the execution, supervision, and certification of cadastral/land surveys, topographic surveys, hydrographic surveys, geodetic surveys, and photogrammetric surveys, as well as the preparation and signing/sealing of survey plans and documents for submission to government agencies.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Sentence 1: Define 'scope of practice' as activities reserved exclusively for licensed GEs [1 mark].
• Sentence 2: Enumerate the five surveying branches (cadastral, topographic, hydrographic, geodetic, photogrammetric) and include signing/sealing of plans [1 mark].

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Listing fewer than four surveying branches — loses the enumeration mark.
• Omitting 'signing and sealing' of plans — this is the most board-tested exclusive function.
• Defining scope of practice too broadly without tying it to the licensed GE's exclusive authority.

Key Phrases To Include

• exclusively reserved for licensed geodetic engineers
• cadastral/land surveys
• topographic surveys
• hydrographic surveys
• geodetic surveys
• photogrammetric surveys
• signing and sealing of survey plans

Marks

2

Topic

Distinction of Laws — RA 8560, PD 1529

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T4

Examiner Tip

A useful mental model: RA 8560 governs the GE (the person and their qualifications); PD 1529 governs the land record (the title and its registration). Both touch the cadastral survey but at different stages.

Model Answer

RA 8560 (Philippine Geodetic Engineering Act of 1998) is the profession law that governs who may practice geodetic engineering — it sets licensure requirements and reserves the signing of survey plans to licensed geodetic engineers. PD 1529 (Property Registration Decree, 1978) is the land law that governs the registration of land titles in the Torrens system. In a cadastral survey, RA 8560 controls the qualifications and conduct of the surveyor who executes and certifies the survey, while PD 1529 governs how the resulting survey plan is submitted, processed, and used to issue or confirm a title.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Sentence 1: Define RA 8560 as the profession/practice law governing who may survey [1 mark].
• Sentence 2: Define PD 1529 as the land-registration law governing how titles are registered, and link both to their distinct roles in a cadastral survey [1 mark].

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Confusing PD 1529 with CA 141 (Public Land Act) — these are different statutes with different purposes.
• Saying RA 8560 governs land registration — it does not; it governs the profession.
• Failing to link both laws to the cadastral survey context.

Key Phrases To Include

• RA 8560 — profession law
• PD 1529 — Property Registration Decree
• Torrens system
• licensure of the surveyor
• registration of land titles
• complementary but distinct

Marks

2

Topic

Exclusive Authority to Sign Survey Plans

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T5

Examiner Tip

Board questions often present scenarios where a non-GE performs a GE-reserved function. The answer is always 'No, only a licensed GE may do this' — cite RA 8560 and specify the function (sign/seal/certify).

Model Answer

No, this is not legally permissible. Under RA 8560, only a licensed geodetic engineer may sign and seal survey plans and certify cadastral or land surveys for submission to government agencies such as the Land Management Bureau. An unlicensed survey aide may assist in field and office work, but they have no legal authority to certify or submit the plan in their own name. Submission of a plan not signed by a licensed GE will be rejected by the LMB and may expose the aide to legal liability.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Sentence 1: Clearly state 'No' and cite RA 8560 as the basis [1 mark].
• Sentence 2: Clarify the aide's limited lawful role and the consequence of non-compliance [1 mark].

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Saying 'yes' or being ambiguous about permissibility — direct 'No' is required.
• Not citing the specific law.
• Confusing the aide's assistive role with the GE's certifying role.

Key Phrases To Include

• not legally permissible
• RA 8560
• sign and seal
• licensed geodetic engineer
• Land Management Bureau
• certify cadastral/land surveys

Marks

3

Topic

Code of Ethics — Core Obligations

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T6

Examiner Tip

Each item should have a principle name (bolded or underlined in the exam) plus a one-sentence explanation tailored to GE practice. Generic statements without GE-specific context rarely earn full marks.

Model Answer

A licensed geodetic engineer is bound by the following ethical obligations under the Code of Ethics: 1. Public interest first — the GE must prioritize the accuracy and integrity of land records over personal gain or client preferences, as erroneous surveys affect property rights and public safety. 2. Competence — the GE must practice only within areas of their professional qualifications and must continuously update their skills through Continuing Professional Development (CPD). 3. Honesty and impartiality — the GE must never falsify survey data, manipulate boundary determinations, or conceal conflicts of interest; they owe impartiality to all parties affected by their work.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Item 1: Name the ethical principle + one-sentence explanation [1 mark].
• Item 2: Name the ethical principle + one-sentence explanation [1 mark].
• Item 3: Name the ethical principle + one-sentence explanation [1 mark].

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Listing principles without any explanation — bare lists earn only partial marks per item.
• Repeating the same principle in different words as two separate items.
• Writing generic ethical duties not specific to geodetic engineering (e.g., 'be a good person').

Key Phrases To Include

• public interest first
• integrity of land records
• competence
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• honesty and impartiality
• no falsification of survey data
• disclose conflicts of interest
• confidentiality

Marks

3

Topic

Code of Ethics — Integrity of Monuments

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T7

Examiner Tip

This question rewards students who can bridge ethics to technical geodesy. Mentioning PRS92 and PD 1529 in the same answer signals high-level understanding and earns examiners' attention.

Model Answer

Survey monuments — corner marks, benchmarks, and control points — are the physical embodiment of land boundaries and geodetic reference networks. The Code of Ethics specifically prohibits a geodetic engineer from disturbing, removing, or falsifying these monuments because: 1. Legal property rights depend on monuments: the location of a monument determines where a legal boundary lies; altering it fraudulently shifts title boundaries and violates neighboring landowners' rights. 2. Control monuments underpin all subsequent surveys: geodetic control points (referenced to PRS92) are used by other surveyors; a falsified control mark propagates errors across an entire region. 3. Public trust and record integrity: land records registered under PD 1529 rely on the accuracy of the original survey monuments; tampering destroys the evidentiary foundation of the Torrens system. Thus, protecting monuments is both an ethical duty and a legal obligation under RA 8560.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Opening sentence: Define survey monuments and their role [0.5 mark — sets context].
• Point 1: Link monuments to legal property rights and boundary determination [1 mark].
• Point 2: Explain propagation of errors through geodetic control networks (PRS92 reference) [1 mark].
• Point 3: Connect to public trust and the Torrens system (PD 1529) [0.5 mark — synthesis].

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Saying only 'monuments should not be moved' without explaining why — earns at most 1 mark.
• Failing to connect to the legal (PD 1529) or technical (PRS92/geodetic network) dimension.
• Using vague language like 'it is important' without specific reasoning.

Key Phrases To Include

• survey monuments
• corner marks / benchmarks / control points
• legal property rights
• boundary determination
• PRS92
• propagation of errors
• Torrens system
• PD 1529
• public trust and record integrity

Marks

2

Topic

Legislative History — RA 4374 and RA 8560

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T8

Examiner Tip

Board exams often test whether you know BOTH laws. Always pair them: 'RA 4374, as amended/superseded by RA 8560' — this phrase alone signals mastery of the legislative history.

Model Answer

RA 4374 (1965) was the original Geodetic Engineering Law that first established the legal framework for the geodetic engineering profession in the Philippines, created the regulatory board, and set initial licensure requirements. RA 8560 (Philippine Geodetic Engineering Act of 1998) superseded and modernized RA 4374 to reflect advances in surveying technology (e.g., GPS, photogrammetry, hydrographic surveying), expand the scope of practice, align licensure with PRC-wide standards, and incorporate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. RA 8560 is the currently operative statute; RA 4374 is its historical predecessor.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Sentence 1: Describe RA 4374 as the original profession law (year, purpose) [1 mark].
• Sentence 2: State that RA 8560 superseded it and give at least two reasons for the update [1 mark].

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Reversing the timeline — saying RA 8560 came before RA 4374.
• Stating RA 4374 is still operative — it has been superseded by RA 8560.
• Failing to mention any reason for the update, making the answer incomplete.

Key Phrases To Include

• RA 4374 (1965) — original law
• RA 8560 (1998) — modernized/superseded
• advances in surveying technology
• GPS / photogrammetry
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• currently operative statute

Marks

5

Topic

Code of Ethics — Ethical Conflict / Case Study

Difficulty

hard

Template Id

T9

Examiner Tip

5-mark case studies are structured essays. Examiners use a checklist: (a) correct ethical principles named, (b) laws cited, (c) action stated. Write using Roman numeral or numbered subheadings — this signals organized thinking and makes it easy for the examiner to award marks.

Model Answer

The geodetic engineer (GE) in this scenario faces a direct conflict between client instructions and their ethical and legal obligations under RA 8560 and the Code of Ethics for Geodetic Engineers. I. Ethical Obligations: 1. Public Interest First: The primary ethical obligation of a GE is to protect the public interest. Land records are a public trust; falsifying a boundary to encroach on an adjacent titled lot directly harms the neighboring landowner's property rights and violates the integrity of the land registration system under PD 1529. 2. Honesty and Impartiality: The GE must be honest in the execution and reporting of survey results. Deliberately shifting boundary lines to favor one party constitutes fraud and falsification of survey data, which is prohibited by the Code of Ethics. 3. Protect Monuments and Boundaries: The GE must never manipulate or misrepresent corner monuments or boundary determinations. The existing boundary is legally established, and the GE has no authority to unilaterally alter it. II. Legal Obligations: 1. Under RA 8560, a licensed GE is legally responsible for the accuracy and truthfulness of all survey plans they sign and seal. Certifying a fraudulent plan exposes the GE to administrative sanctions (suspension or revocation of license by the PRC Board), criminal liability, and civil liability for damages to the aggrieved landowner. 2. Under PD 1529 (Property Registration Decree), land boundaries derive from registered titles. Any survey plan that contradicts a registered title requires judicial or administrative proceedings — not a unilateral adjustment by the GE. III. Required Action: The GE must refuse the developer's instruction, explain the legal impossibility of unilaterally encroaching on a titled lot, and perform the survey based on the true boundary. If the developer insists, the GE must withdraw from the engagement to protect the public interest and preserve professional integrity. The GE should document the developer's request and their refusal for legal protection. Conclusion: Client instructions do not override legal and ethical obligations. The GE's duty to the public, the integrity of the land record system, and the law takes precedence over client wishes.

Question Type

case_study

Answer Structure

• Part I — Ethical Obligations (≈3 sentences or 3 points): Address public interest, honesty/impartiality, and monument integrity [2 marks].
• Part II — Legal Obligations (≈2 points): Cite RA 8560 (consequences: license sanctions, liability) and PD 1529 (title integrity, proper process) [2 marks].
• Part III — Required Action + Conclusion (≈2 sentences): State the GE must refuse, withdraw if necessary, document the refusal [1 mark].

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Saying 'the GE should consult a lawyer' without also stating that the GE must refuse — the refusal is the primary obligation.
• Omitting legal citations (RA 8560, PD 1529) — answers without statute citations earn at most 3/5.
• Failing to address both ethical AND legal dimensions — one-sided answers cap at 3/5.
• Vague statements like 'the GE should do the right thing' without identifying specific principles.
• Not stating what action the GE must take — analysis alone without a clear prescribed action loses the action mark.

Key Phrases To Include

• public interest first
• honesty and impartiality
• falsification of survey data / fraud
• RA 8560 — legal responsibility of licensed GE
• PD 1529 — Property Registration Decree / registered title
• sign and seal
• administrative sanctions / license revocation
• refuse the instruction
• withdraw from engagement
• integrity of land registration system

Marks

3

Topic

Scope of Practice — Five Surveying Branches

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T10

Examiner Tip

Memorize the five branches as: C-T-H-G-P (Cadastral, Topographic, Hydrographic, Geodetic, Photogrammetric). In the exam, add a single phrase per branch to show you understand what each involves — this usually locks in full marks.

Model Answer

Under RA 8560 (Philippine Geodetic Engineering Act of 1998), the following five branches of surveying fall within the exclusive scope of practice of a licensed geodetic engineer: 1. Cadastral/Land Surveys — determination and monumenting of land boundaries for titling and registration purposes. 2. Topographic Surveys — determination and mapping of the configuration and features of the earth's surface. 3. Hydrographic Surveys — surveys of bodies of water (rivers, bays, harbors) for navigation, engineering, and resource management. 4. Geodetic Surveys — large-area surveys that account for the curvature of the earth; includes establishment of control networks referenced to PRS92. 5. Photogrammetric Surveys — determination of measurements and map features from aerial or terrestrial photographs.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Introduce with a citation of RA 8560 [sets context — no mark assigned separately].
• Items 1–5: Each branch named with a one-phrase description [1 mark per 2 correct branches; total 3 marks for all five correctly named and briefly described — adjust per rubric; or 0.5 per branch for 5 branches × 0.5 = 2.5 + 0.5 for complete list = 3].

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Listing only three or four branches — missing branches lose marks proportionally.
• Naming non-GE survey types (e.g., quantity surveys, structural surveys) — irrelevant and may signal confusion.
• Writing branch names only without any description — may earn partial marks depending on rubric.

Key Phrases To Include

• cadastral/land surveys
• topographic surveys
• hydrographic surveys
• geodetic surveys
• photogrammetric surveys
• RA 8560
• exclusive scope of practice
• PRS92 (for geodetic surveys)

Marks

2

Topic

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) — RA 8560

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T11

Examiner Tip

CPD is a PRC-wide policy applied to all professions, including geodetic engineering. Always connect it to RA 8560 AND PRC regulations for maximum marks, and mention the PIC renewal requirement since that is the practical consequence.

Model Answer

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a structured program of learning activities — seminars, training courses, technical workshops, and professional conferences — that a licensed professional must complete to maintain and upgrade their competence throughout their career. Under RA 8560 and PRC-wide CPD regulations, licensed geodetic engineers are required to earn CPD credit units as a condition for renewal of their Professional Identification Card (PIC). CPD is mandated because geodetic engineering involves rapidly evolving technologies (e.g., GNSS, LiDAR, digital photogrammetry) and updated legal frameworks; ensuring that practitioners remain current protects the quality of surveys and, by extension, the integrity of land records.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Sentence 1: Define CPD (structured learning activities for licensed professionals) [1 mark].
• Sentence 2: State the requirement under RA 8560/PRC regulations (PIC renewal, credit units) and the reason (evolving technology, protect survey quality) [1 mark].

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Defining CPD generically without linking to geodetic engineering or RA 8560/PRC.
• Saying CPD is 'optional' — it is mandatory for PIC renewal.
• Failing to give a reason for its requirement.

Key Phrases To Include

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• credit units
• Professional Identification Card (PIC) renewal
• RA 8560 / PRC
• competence
• evolving technology (GNSS, LiDAR, digital photogrammetry)
• integrity of land records

Marks

3

Topic

Land Laws — CA 141 vs. PD 1529

Difficulty

hard

Template Id

T12

Examiner Tip

CA 141 = public land (going from state to private); PD 1529 = private/Torrens land (already private, being registered or subdivided). Draw this mental arrow: CA141 → privatization; PD1529 → registration/management. Always close by noting RA 8560 applies to GEs under both.

Model Answer

CA 141 and PD 1529 are both land laws but govern different aspects of land surveys: CA 141 — Commonwealth Act No. 141 (Public Land Act, 1936): Governs the classification, disposition, and registration of lands of the public domain. A geodetic engineer conducts surveys under CA 141 when land is being released from public domain status (e.g., free patent, homestead patent). Survey plans prepared for CA 141 applications follow DENR/LMB standards and must be signed and sealed by a licensed GE before submission to the DENR Regional Office. PD 1529 — Presidential Decree No. 1529 (Property Registration Decree, 1978): Governs the registration and subsequent dealings of all lands under the Torrens system, including private lands. A geodetic engineer prepares subdivision, consolidation, or lot-survey plans under PD 1529, which are submitted to the Land Registration Authority (LRA) and processed through the Regional Trial Court (acting as Land Registration Court). Key distinction: CA 141 deals with public domain lands being privatized; PD 1529 deals with already-titled private lands being registered, subdivided, or consolidated. In both cases, a licensed GE must sign and seal the survey plan under RA 8560.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• CA 141 paragraph: Full name, year, subject matter (public domain), GE's role, submission to DENR [1 mark].
• PD 1529 paragraph: Full name, year, subject matter (Torrens/private lands), GE's role, submission to LRA [1 mark].
• Key distinction sentence: Clearly contrasts the two laws and ties both to RA 8560 [1 mark].

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Confusing CA 141 and PD 1529 — assigning Torrens registration to CA 141 or public domain to PD 1529.
• Omitting the agency distinction (DENR vs. LRA).
• Failing to link either law to the GE's role under RA 8560.

Key Phrases To Include

• CA 141 — Commonwealth Act 141 (1936) — Public Land Act
• lands of the public domain
• free patent / homestead patent
• DENR Regional Office
• PD 1529 — Property Registration Decree (1978)
• Torrens system
• Land Registration Authority (LRA)
• private lands
• RA 8560 — sign and seal

Marks

1

Topic

Code of Ethics — Primary Obligation

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T13

Examiner Tip

For 1-mark ethics questions, name the principle + one GE-specific phrase. Do not write a paragraph — this wastes time and earns the same 1 mark.

Model Answer

The primary ethical obligation of a geodetic engineer is to place the public interest above all other considerations — specifically, to ensure the accuracy and integrity of land records, which protects property rights and public safety. Example: A GE must refuse to falsify a boundary even when instructed to do so by a client.

Question Type

very_short_answer

Answer Structure

• Line 1: State 'public interest first' as the primary obligation plus a brief GE-specific explanation [0.5 mark].
• Line 2: One concrete example [0.5 mark] — together these earn the 1 mark.

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Stating a secondary obligation (e.g., competence) as the primary one — public interest is always first.
• Giving a generic ethics example not specific to geodetic engineering.

Key Phrases To Include

• public interest
• accuracy and integrity of land records
• property rights
• refuse to falsify boundary / survey data

Marks

2

Topic

Scope of Practice — Hydrographic Surveys

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T14

Examiner Tip

Scenario questions testing scope of practice follow a simple formula: identify the survey type → check if it appears in the RA 8560 scope list → confirm GE authority. The answer is almost always 'Yes, RA 8560 includes this.'

Model Answer

Yes. Under RA 8560 (Philippine Geodetic Engineering Act of 1998), hydrographic surveys are explicitly included in the scope of practice of a licensed geodetic engineer. A hydrographic survey involves the survey of bodies of water — including bays, harbors, and rivers — to determine depth, configuration of the seabed or riverbed, tidal data, and other features relevant to navigation and engineering works. Therefore, a licensed GE has full legal authority to conduct and certify the hydrographic survey for the Philippine Ports Authority, and the resulting survey plan must be signed and sealed by the licensed GE.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Sentence 1: 'Yes' + cite RA 8560 and name hydrographic surveys as an included scope [1 mark].
• Sentence 2: Brief definition of hydrographic survey and confirmation that GE must sign/seal the plan [1 mark].

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Answering 'No' or expressing uncertainty — hydrographic surveys are unambiguously within GE scope.
• Confusing hydrographic surveys with hydraulic engineering (a civil engineering function) — different fields.
• Correct answer but no citation of RA 8560 — loses the statutory basis mark.

Key Phrases To Include

• Yes
• RA 8560
• hydrographic surveys — within scope of practice
• bodies of water / harbor / bay
• sign and seal
• licensed geodetic engineer

Marks

3

Topic

Code of Ethics — Confidentiality

Difficulty

hard

Template Id

T15

Examiner Tip

Ethics questions about professional duties almost always have a 'but' — an obligation AND its limits. Structure your answer to address both halves. A confident statement that 'confidentiality is not absolute' and three clear limits virtually guarantees full marks.

Model Answer

Confidentiality in the geodetic engineering code of ethics requires a licensed GE to protect information obtained from clients in the course of professional engagement — including survey data, boundary details, ownership disputes, and related proprietary information — from unauthorized disclosure to third parties. However, the confidentiality obligation is not absolute. It has the following limits: 1. Legal compulsion: If a court or competent authority orders the GE to produce survey records or testify, the GE must comply with the legal order; professional confidentiality does not override judicial process. 2. Public safety and interest: If confidential survey data reveals an imminent hazard to public safety (e.g., an illegal encroachment on a hazard zone, fraudulent reclamation), the GE's primary duty to public interest overrides confidentiality. 3. Fraud and illegality: A GE cannot claim confidentiality to conceal a client's illegal survey manipulation; reporting such fraud is not only permitted but ethically required. Thus, confidentiality is a professional duty to clients, but it is subordinate to the GE's overriding obligation to public interest, legal process, and the integrity of land records.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Opening: Define confidentiality as protection of client-obtained information from unauthorized disclosure [1 mark].
• Limits — Point 1: Legal compulsion (court orders) overrides confidentiality [0.5 mark].
• Limits — Point 2: Public safety/public interest overrides confidentiality [0.5 mark].
• Limits — Point 3: Fraud/illegality cannot be shielded by confidentiality [0.5 mark].
• Closing synthesis sentence [0.5 mark].

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Stating confidentiality is absolute — it is not; failing to address limits loses 2 marks.
• Listing limits without explaining WHY they override confidentiality.
• Omitting the public interest dimension, which is the overriding ethical principle for GEs.

Key Phrases To Include

• protect client information
• unauthorized disclosure
• not absolute
• legal compulsion / court order
• public safety and interest
• fraud and illegality
• subordinate to public interest
• integrity of land records