Foundations of Law
What is law?
Rules enforced by government that regulate the conduct of people in society.
What is the executive branch?
The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws.
What are statutes?
Written laws passed by legislatures.
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 are ordinances?
Local laws passed by cities or counties.
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 limited government?
The principle that government only has the powers given to it by the Constitution.
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 is homicide?
The unlawful killing of one human being by another.
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
A proposed law introduced in a legislature.
The clause stating that federal law is the supreme law of the land.
What is the highest court?
The Supreme 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?
Presidents power to not sign a bill into law.
What are treaties?
Agreements between countries that can create international law.
What is a trial court?
The court where evidence is presented
What is arson?
The willful and malicious burning of property.