Name That Philosopher
Which philosopher believed that wise philosopher kings should rule society?
Plato
What term describes fairness and giving people what they are due?
Justice
Which ancient legal code is associated with “an eye for an eye”?
The Code of Hammurabi.
What principle means everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law?
The rule of law.
Which branch of government primarily makes laws?
The legislative branch.
Which philosopher believed political communities should help citizens live a good and virtuous life?
Aristotle
Jeremy Bentham believed laws should produce the greatest overall happiness. What is this philosophy called?
Utilitarianism
What does “an eye for an eye” suggest about punishment?
The punishment should correspond to the harm caused.
Which type of law deals with offences against society, and which deals with disputes between private parties?
Criminal law deals with offences against society; civil law deals with disputes between private parties.
Which branch of government carries out and administers laws?
The executive branch.
Which philosopher believed human laws should follow natural law and reason?
St. Thomas Aquinas
Aquinas believed just laws should promote the common good. What does “common good” mean?
The well-being of the community as a whole.
Why could two people receive different punishments for the same offence under Hammurabi’s Code?
Punishments could depend on their social class or status.
An athlete signs an agreement to wear a particular company’s shoes. Which area of law governs this agreement?
Contract law
Which branch of government interprets and applies laws when deciding cases?
The judicial branch.
Which philosopher believed people possess natural rights to life, liberty, and property?
John Locke
What is the main difference between restorative justice and retributive justice?
Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm; retributive justice focuses on punishment proportionate to the wrongdoing.
Why was the Magna Carta significant in the development of law?
It limited the ruler’s power and helped establish that rulers were subject to the law.
What is the difference between precedent and stare decisis?
A precedent is an earlier court decision used to guide later cases. Stare decisis is the principle of following applicable precedents.
What is a proposed law introduced in Parliament called?
A bill.
Which philosopher argued that legitimate laws should reflect the general will, meaning the community’s common interests?
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
A properly passed law denies a minority group access to public schools. Can this law be legal but unjust? Explain.
Yes. A law can be legally enacted while still being unfair or discriminatory. Following the lawmaking process does not guarantee justice.
Identify one strength and one weakness of the Napoleonic Code.
Strength: It unified written laws, making them clearer and more consistent. Weakness: It limited women’s rights.
A person is detained and wants a court to examine whether their detention is lawful. What legal protection can they use?
Habeas corpus
Name the three readings a federal bill goes through and the final approval required after both houses pass it.
First reading, second reading, and third reading, followed by Royal Assent after passage by both the House of Commons and the Senate. Committee study and report stage also occur during the process.