The Legal System
Sources of Law
Classification of Laws
"Pot Luck"
Trial Process
100
A concept created by the framers of the Constitution so that no one branch could have more power than another branch.
What is checks and balances?
100
This addresses the relationship between individuals and their government.
What is constitutional law?
100

Less serious crimes

What is a misdemeanor?

100

The earliest known form of written collection of laws

What is Hammurabi's Code?

100
hears evidence about a criminal case in order to determine if the case has enough merit to be heard in court
What is the grand jury?
200
Branch of government that enforces the law
What is Executive?
200
Rules or laws made by agencies
What are regulations?
200

relationships between individuals or between individuals and the government, which are not criminal

What is civil law?

200

Local councils/ commissions pass local statutes.

What are ordinances?

200

A suit in law for the recovery of a supposed right; or, a case before a court

What is a lawsuit?

300
This is the collective term for the Senate and House of Representatives.
What is the Legislative Branch of Government?
300
This law is based on decisions made by judges.
What is common or case law?
300
evidence showing that more likely than not the incident occurred
What is preponderance of evidence?
300

Once all of the witnesses have been examined (questioned) and cross-examined, both sides will present their

What is closing arguments?

300

A call by authority to appear at a place named, or to attend to some public duty

What is a summons?

400
This branch interprets the laws.
What is the judicial branch?
400

This is the term we use for laws enacted by state and federal legislatures.

What are statutes?

400

Serious crimes such as murder and kidnapping

What are felonies?

400

the Prosecution's duty to provide evidence to prove their version of events/ allegations are true.

What is burden of proof?

400

A lawyer who represents the government in a criminal case

What is a Prosecutor?

500

A legal term for the process of questioning potential jurors to determine which ones are most likely to be fair and impartial

What is Voir dire?

500
means "let the decision stand"
What is stare decisis?
500

set up to protect the public from the harmful acts of others

What is criminal laws?

500

Which constitutional amendments guarantee the right to a "trial by jury."

What is 6th and 7th amendment?

500

The principle that decisions from the courts are fair and impartial and are not subject to undue influence from the other branches of government

What is an Independent Judiciary?