Sources of Law
The supreme law of the United States that establishes the structure and powers of government
What is the Constitution ?
A body of rules that governs conduct and is enforced by government
What is Law?
The federal courts where most federal cases begin.
What is U.S. District Courts ?
The process of resolving disputes through the court system.
What is Litigation?
Type of law involving disputes between private parties.
What is civil law?
Laws enacted by Congress and state legislatures
What is Statutes?
A civil wrong committed against an individual or business.
What is Tort?
Courts that review decisions made by lower courts.
What is Appellate Courts ?
A dispute-resolution method where a neutral third party helps parties reach an agreement.
What is Mediation?
Type of law involving offenses against society.
What is criminal law?
Law that develops from judicial decisions and precedents
What is Common Law?
The authority of a court to hear and decide a case.
What is Jurisdiction ?
The highest court in the United States.
What is U.S. Supreme Court?
A dispute-resolution method in which a neutral third party renders a decision.
What is Arbitration ?
Money awarded to compensate an injured party.
What are damages?
Rules created by government agencies to implement legislation.
What is Administrative Law?
Fair treatment through the normal judicial system and protection of legal rights.
What is Due Process ?
The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time
What is Original Jurisdiction?
The collective term for methods of resolving disputes outside of court.
What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) ?
In a criminal case, the government acts as this.
What is the prosecutor (or plaintiff state)?
A previous court decision that guides future cases with similar facts.
What is Precedent?
The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws.
What is Judicial Branch?
Jurisdiction based on the parties being from different states and meeting a monetary threshold.
What is Diversity Jurisdiction?
The most common reason businesses choose ADR instead of litigation.
What is Lower Cost (or Faster Resolution) ?
The burden of proof required in criminal cases.
What is beyond a reasonable doubt?