Sources of Law
This document is considered the "supreme law of the land" in the US
What is the Constitution?
This type of law deals with crimes and punishments.
What is criminal law?
The person who files a lawsuit is called this.
What is the plaintiff?
This person ensures a fair trial and makes legal rulings in court.
Who is the judge?
Jamie was caught stealing from a store and faces jail time. What type of law applies?
What is criminal law?
Laws created by state and federal legislatures are called this.
What are statutes?
This type of law settles disputes between people, such as lawsuits over contracts.
What is civil law?
The person accused of a crime in a trial is called this.
What is the defendant?
This group of people listens to evidence and decides a verdict in a trial.
Who is the jury?
A soldier is accused of disobeying orders while on active duty. What type of law applies?
What is military law
This type of law is based on past judicial decisions rather than written codes.
What is case law or common law?
This type of law ensures government actions follow the Constitution.
What is constitutional law?
This group of people are responsible for determining the facts of a case and delivering a verdict.
What is a jury?
This lawyer represents the government in a criminal case.
Who is the prosecutor?
Sarah is suing a restaurant for giving her food poisoning. What type of law applies?
What is civil law?
This type of law is created by judges' decisions and serves as a guide for future cases.
What is precedent?
This type of law governs the behavior of members of the armed forces.
What is military law?
This person oversees the courtroom, ensures a fair trial, and makes legal rulings.
Who is the judge?
This branch of government creates laws.
What is the legislative branch?
A state law banning certain books was challenged in court. What type of law applies?
What is constitutional law?
This type of law is based on legal traditions and customs rather than written statutes.
What is common law?
This type of law applies to individuals under the age of 18 who commit crimes or need legal protection.
What is juvenile law?
The final decision made by a jury or judge is called this.
What is a verdict?
The highest court in the U.S. is called this.
What is the Supreme Court?
Sylvando, a middle school student, was arrested for breaking and entering. He was sentenced to community service and put into a 30-day low-risk program meant to educate Sylvando on making better choices. What type of law applies?
What is juvenile law?