American Legal System Quiz 1

Questions and Answers

What is law?

A type of government organization

A set of rules and procedures usually intended to regulate some aspect of society (correct)

A constitutional document

A method of scientific inquiry

What does common law refer to?

A body of laws developed through the courts

Civil laws control ________ disputes.

private

What is the primary purpose of a constitution?

To establish a government and define its powers Signup and view all the answers

What is a code in legal terms?

A topical organization of statutes Signup and view all the answers

What does precedent refer to in law?

The example set by the decision of an earlier court Signup and view all the answers

What does stare decisis mean?

Standing by things decided, related to precedent Signup and view all the answers

What is jurisprudence?

The study of philosophy of law Signup and view all the answers

Define natural theory of law.

A philosophical theory holding that law reflects the moral and unchangeable law of nature Signup and view all the answers

What does legal positivism suggest?

The validity of law is not related to morality Signup and view all the answers

What does legal realism state?

Laws are created by judges and subject to individual beliefs and prejudices Signup and view all the answers

How is law classified?

Constitutional, statutory, case law; substantive, procedural; criminal, civil Signup and view all the answers

What is a tort?

A non-contractual civil wrong Signup and view all the answers

What are statutes of limitation?

A law that places a time limit on when a lawsuit can be filed Signup and view all the answers

What are substantive laws?

Laws that define our rights and obligations Signup and view all the answers

What is procedural law?

Laws that dictate how we enforce our rights and obligations Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a crime?

An act in violation against a criminal statute Signup and view all the answers

What are rules of court?

Procedural rules adopted by all courts regulating practice in the court Signup and view all the answers

Define due process of law.

The existence of a law that prohibits the conduct in question before the violation occurs Signup and view all the answers

What is jurisdiction?

The power or authority to act in a certain situation Signup and view all the answers

What is the preponderance of the evidence?

The amount of proof necessary for most civil cases, more likely than not Signup and view all the answers

What does liable mean?

A finding of responsibility in a civil case Signup and view all the answers

What does indigent mean?

Without funds or assets and therefore unable to afford an attorney Signup and view all the answers

What is the burden of proof?

The necessity of establishing a particular fact or the necessity of going forward with the evidence Signup and view all the answers

What does beyond reasonable doubt mean?

The amount of proof necessary for a conviction in a criminal case Signup and view all the answers

Define acquittal.

A finding of not guilty in a criminal case Signup and view all the answers

What is a hung jury?

A jury that cannot attain the necessary consensus or majority to reach a verdict Signup and view all the answers

What is a syllabus in legal terms?

A summary of a Supreme Court case written by the reporter of decisions Signup and view all the answers

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.
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

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.