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Questions and Answers
What is law?
What is law?
What does common law refer to?
What does common law refer to?
A body of laws developed through the courts
Civil laws control ________ disputes.
Civil laws control ________ disputes.
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What is the primary purpose of a constitution?
What is the primary purpose of a constitution?
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What is a code in legal terms?
What is a code in legal terms?
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What does precedent refer to in law?
What does precedent refer to in law?
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What does stare decisis mean?
What does stare decisis mean?
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What is jurisprudence?
What is jurisprudence?
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Define natural theory of law.
Define natural theory of law.
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What does legal positivism suggest?
What does legal positivism suggest?
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What does legal realism state?
What does legal realism state?
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How is law classified?
How is law classified?
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What is a tort?
What is a tort?
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What are statutes of limitation?
What are statutes of limitation?
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What are substantive laws?
What are substantive laws?
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What is procedural law?
What is procedural law?
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What constitutes a crime?
What constitutes a crime?
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What are rules of court?
What are rules of court?
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Define due process of law.
Define due process of law.
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What is jurisdiction?
What is jurisdiction?
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What is the preponderance of the evidence?
What is the preponderance of the evidence?
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What does liable mean?
What does liable mean?
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What does indigent mean?
What does indigent mean?
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What is the burden of proof?
What is the burden of proof?
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What does beyond reasonable doubt mean?
What does beyond reasonable doubt mean?
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Define acquittal.
Define acquittal.
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What is a hung jury?
What is a hung jury?
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What is a syllabus in legal terms?
What is a syllabus in legal terms?
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Study Notes
Legal Terms and Concepts
- Law: A system of rules and procedures designed to regulate society at federal, state, and local levels.
- Common Law: A legal framework developed through court decisions and precedents rather than through written statutes.
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Civil Laws:
- Established legal system based on written codes.
- Governs private disputes between individuals or entities.
Fundamental Legal Documents
- Constitution: Foundational document that outlines the structure and powers of government.
- Code: Systematic organization of laws and statutes pertaining to specific areas.
Legal Precedents and Principles
- Precedent: Legal decisions that set an example for future cases addressing similar issues.
- Stare Decisis: The principle that past court decisions inform and guide current legal rulings.
Philosophical Theories of Law
- Jurisprudence: Study and theory of the philosophy of law.
- Natural Theory of Law: Asserts that laws should reflect universal moral principles inherent in nature.
- Legal Positivism: Claims the validity of law is independent of its moral implications.
- Legal Realism: Argues that laws are influenced by the subjective beliefs and biases of judges.
Classification of Law
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Law Classification:
- Types include constitutional law, statutory law, and case law.
- Categories encompass substantive, procedural, criminal, and civil law.
Civil Law Concepts
- Tort: A civil wrong that occurs outside of contractual obligations.
- Statutes of Limitation: Laws defining a timeframe within which lawsuits must be initiated.
Nature of Laws
- Substantive Laws: Legislation that outlines rights and obligations of individuals.
- Procedural Law: Governs the processes by which rights and obligations are enforced.
Criminal Law Concepts
- Crime: Actions violating criminal statutes.
- Rules of Court: Set of procedural standards that govern court practices.
- Due Process of Law: Ensures laws are clear and prohibit behaviors before they are violated.
Legal Authority and Standards
- Jurisdiction: The ability of a court to hear cases and make judgments.
- Preponderance of the Evidence: The evidentiary standard for civil cases, requiring proof that is more likely than not.
Legal Outcomes and responsibilities
- Liable: Determination of responsibility in civil cases.
- Indigent: Refers to individuals lacking financial means to afford legal representation.
- Burden of Proof: Obligation to provide sufficient evidence for a claim or defense.
- Beyond Reasonable Doubt: The level of proof required for convictions in criminal cases.
Verdicts and Jury Dynamics
- Acquittal: A legal finding of not guilty in criminal proceedings.
- Hung Jury: A jury that fails to reach an agreement on a verdict.
Additional Legal Terminology
- Syllabus: Summary of a Supreme Court case provided by the court's reporter.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the American legal system with this quiz featuring key terms and definitions. From the basics of law to the intricacies of common and civil laws, this quiz will challenge your understanding of legal concepts. Perfect for students or anyone looking to enhance their legal vocabulary.