Legal Foundations
What is the highest law of the land in the U.S.?
The Constitution
What is a crime?
An act that is against the law and punishable by the government.
What is a tort?
A wrongful act that causes harm to another person.
What is a contract?
A legally enforcable agreement between two or more parties.
Who is the person being accused in a court case?
Defendant
What are laws created by local governments called?
Ordinances
What type of crime is less serious, ilke petty theft?
Misdemeanor
What is negligence?
Failure to use reasonable care, causing harm to another.
What are the 3 requirements for a valid contract?
Offer, acceptance, and consideration.
Who brings the case in a civil lawsuit?
Plaintiff
Which branch of government makes laws?
Legislative branch
What must prosecutors prove in a criminal trial?
Guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
What is defamation?
False statements that damage someone's reputation.
What is consideration in a contract?
Something od value exchanged by the parties.
What is jurisdiction?
A court's power to hear and decide a case.
Whats the difference between civil law and criminal law?
Civil law deals with disputes between individuals;
Criminal law deals with offenses against society.
Whats the difference between robbery and burglary?
Robbery involves taking something by force;
Burglary is unlawful entry with intent to commit a crime.
What is the difference between compensatory and punitive damages?
Compensatory pays for actual loss; punitive is to punish the wrongdoer.
What is the difference between expressed and implied contracts?
Expressed are stated in words (written/oral); implied are formed by actions.
What is the difference between trail courts and appellate courts.
Trail courts hear cases first; appellate courts review trial court decisions.
What is precedent in law?
A past court decision that guides future cases.
What is plea bargaining?
An agreement where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge for a lighter sentence.
What is strict liability?
Liability without fault-responsible even if you weren't negligent or intentional.
What is a breach of contract?
Failure to fulfill contractual obligations.
What is alternative dispute resolution (ADR)?
Using methods like mediation or arbitration instead of going to trial.