Foundations of Law
What are laws based on?
Social norms that society labels as not acceptable to violate, or the order of society would be threatened
What is the executive branch?
The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws.
What are statutes?
Written laws passed by legislatures, codes of conduct
What is the party called that brings a civil lawsuit?
Plaintiff
What is a felony?
A serious crime usually punishable by more than one year in prison.
What is the U.S. Constitution?
The highest law of the land
What branch of government makes laws.
Legislative
What branch does the subject of an alleged broken law, get funneled to for judgement?
Judicial
Who is the defendant?
The person accused of a crime or being sued in court.
What is a misdemeanor?
A less serious crime usually punishable by less than one year in jail.
What is the rule of law?
The principle that everyone is subject to the same norms, even if that person holds a high government office
Which branch of government interprets the law?
Judicial
What is a bill?
A proposed law introduced in a legislature.
Who is the prosecutor?
The government lawyer in a criminal case.
What must be present to secure a conviction for murder?
mens rea
What is the Bill of Rights?
The first ten amendments
What are checks and balances?
Makes sure not one branch of government become too powerful
What type of law superceedes local or state laws?
federal law is the supreme law of the land
What is the level of court where someone appeals?
appelate court
What is theft (or larceny)?
Taking someone else’s property without permission and intending to keep it.
What are human rights?
Rights people have simply because they are human beings.
What is a veto?
President's power to not sign a bill into law.
What level of court can declare a state law unconstitutional?
The Supreme Court
What will happen if a juror in a case must exit from the trial due to serious illness?
An alternate will step in to serve
What is the term for someone who has been convicted by a jury but later evidence proves they are not guilty?
exonerated