Civil Law vs. Criminal Law
Which type of law typically involves remedies like damages or injunctions?
Civil law
What NYS court hears lawsuits brought against the State of New York?
Court of Claims.
What court document authorizes police to arrest a suspect?
An arrest warrant.
What is a lease?
An agreement where one party receives temporary possession of another’s property in exchange for rent.
What is the legal term for a mutual agreement to end an engagement?
Annulment
What is the main purpose of criminal law?
To punish wrongdoers and maintain public order.
What is the term length for judges on the NYS Court of Appeals?
14 years.
What law lists criminal offenses in NYS?
Penal Law
What is the landlord’s primary right if rent is not paid?
To evict the tenant following legal procedures.
What are the legal obligations of spouses regarding debts incurred by one spouse during marriage?
The working spouse is legally responsible for household debts.
Name one example of a civil law case.
Divorce, personal injury, property disputes.
Which court in NYS has statewide jurisdiction and hears cases from all four appellate divisions?
The NYS Court of Appeals.
What law covers procedures, rules, and regulations for prosecuting crimes in NYS?
Criminal Procedure Law
Which leasehold estate allows the landlord to evict or collect multiple times the rent during a holdover period?
Tenancy at sufferance.
Which law or agreement is used when one spouse stays home and cares for children while the other works, and the working spouse is responsible for household debts?
Prenuptial agreement.
Name one legal consequence of a criminal conviction.
Imprisonment, fine, probation.
What is the key difference between the NYS Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court?
NYS Supreme Court is a trial court, while the U.S. Supreme Court is the highest appellate court.
What is a "wade hearing" used to contest?
Identification procedures (line-up).
What may a tenant do if the landlord breaches duties, and the tenant abandons the property?
Claim constructive eviction.
What is the legal term for ending a marriage due to one spouse lying about key facts such as wealth or age?
Voidable marriage.
What is the standard of proof in a criminal case?
Beyond a reasonable doubt.
Which federal circuit covers New York, Vermont, and Connecticut?
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
What is the initial document filed to formally accuse someone of a crime?
An accusatory instrument.
When are landlords liable for injuries on the property?
If injuries result from faulty conditions in common areas or concealed defects not readily apparent.
What type of marriage involves a single man and a single woman living together and sharing property, recognized by all states if legal where it occurred?
Common-law marriage.