Common Law vs. Civil Law
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a civil law system?

  • Reliance on legal codes as the primary source of law
  • Inquisitorial system where the judge acts as an inquisitor
  • Emphasis on precedent and judicial decisions (correct)
  • Decisions are binding only to the parties to the case
  • How did the French Civil Code (Code Civil) influence the development of civil law systems?

  • It served as a model for codifying civil law in other countries, including Germany and Switzerland. (correct)
  • It introduced a system of judge-made laws that replaced the code-based system of law.
  • It replaced customary law in France and led to the adoption of a religious law system.
  • It established the legal foundation for common law systems in England.
  • Which of the following countries DOES NOT have a legal system heavily influenced by German civil law?

  • Austria
  • Brazil
  • Greece
  • Spain (correct)
  • What is the primary source of law in a Common Law system?

    <p>Judicial precedents (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the "Doctrine of Reception" in the context of common law?

    <p>The process by which English law was applied to British colonies and protectorates (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a hybrid or mixed legal system?

    <p>The legal system of South Africa (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following countries is NOT a predominantly common law jurisdiction?

    <p>France (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the approximate percentage of the world's population that lives in common law countries?

    <p>33% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the voir dire process?

    <p>To identify potential jurors who may be biased or unsuitable. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence when a jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict?

    <p>The judge may declare a mistrial, and the prosecution decides whether to retry the case. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are potential jurors initially selected for jury duty?

    <p>They are randomly selected from voter registration pools and other lists. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a 'peremptory challenge' allow an attorney to do during jury selection?

    <p>Dismiss a potential juror without providing a specific reason. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens in an 'excused for cause' situation?

    <p>A potential juror is removed because they are deemed unable to be impartial due to a conflict of interest. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of a summary judgement?

    <p>The facts are undisputed and only a legal question needs to be decided. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a typical form of discovery?

    <p>Opening statements (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a deposition?

    <p>To take sworn testimony outside of court. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During a trial, what is the 'case in chief' primarily focused on?

    <p>Presenting evidence and witnesses by the plaintiff. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'burden of proof on the balance of probabilities' mean?

    <p>The necessity of showing that a fact is more likely to be true than not. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of cross-examination during a trial?

    <p>To undermine the plaintiff's story. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a trial, what does 'redirect examination' refer to?

    <p>The re-questioning of a witness by the party who originally called them. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the defendant's case in chief?

    <p>To present the defense's evidence and witnesses after the plaintiff. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens during the plaintiff's rebuttal?

    <p>The plaintiff has the opportunity to respond to the defendant's evidence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the concept of 'beyond reasonable doubt' in a criminal trial?

    <p>The standard of proof the prosecution must meet to prove guilt. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the UK criminal justice system, where are summary offenses typically tried?

    <p>The magistrates' court. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is 'disclosure' in the context of a trial?

    <p>The process of sharing all relevant evidence before trial. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which court primarily handles cases involving indictable offenses in the UK?

    <p>The Crown Court. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In adversarial systems, what is the role of the judge?

    <p>To serve as a neutral party who only takes a position at the end (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do civil system judges primarily rely on for guidance in deciding a matter of law?

    <p>Legal commentary by scholars (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary basis for determining legal precedents in civil systems?

    <p>Previous case law (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes the experience level of judges in civil systems?

    <p>Judges are typically highly experienced lawyers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of commentary do judges in civil systems rely on less frequently?

    <p>Academic treatises (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what situation might a civil system judge take a position during a case?

    <p>After all evidence has been presented (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do civil system judges view their role compared to those in adversarial systems?

    <p>As neutral parties focused on the legal process (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of taking evidence in litigation?

    <p>To support the litigants' claim or defense (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is often associated with judges in civil systems?

    <p>They are often well-respected high-level officials (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of civil law, how does a judge typically reach a decision?

    <p>By applying general rules to specific cases through subsumption (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does common law differ from civil law in terms of case resolution?

    <p>Common law uses precedents from similar cases (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What legal principle allows judges to refer to past case decisions?

    <p>Doctrine of stare decisis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the judge's process of finding a legal provision that applies to a case in civil law?

    <p>Subsumption (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'distinguishing' mean in the context of common law?

    <p>Differentiating the current case from precedent cases (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best represents the role of lawyers in evidence taking?

    <p>Lawyers assist litigants in asking questions and obtaining evidence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which legal system do judges primarily interpret codified laws laid down in documents?

    <p>Civil Law (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Adversarial System

    Legal proceedings where opposing parties present arguments and evidence to an impartial judge or jury, who then make a decision based on the law.

    Stare Decisis

    A principle in law where judges rely on previous rulings (precedents) to make decisions in similar cases.

    Civil Law System

    A legal system where judges play a more active role in shaping the law, relying on precedent and academic commentaries.

    Experienced Judges in Civil Law

    Judges in civil law systems often join the bench after a long career in law, building a reputation for expertise.

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    Jury's Role in Adversarial Systems

    In adversarial systems, juries determine the facts of a case, while judges interpret the law and ensure fair procedures are followed.

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    Judge's Dual Role in Civil Systems

    In civil law systems, judges often take on the role of both fact-finder and law interpreter, especially in cases without juries.

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    Neutral Jury in Adversarial Systems

    Juries in adversarial systems act as neutral observers, making judgments based on presented evidence.

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    Importance of Legal Scholars in Civil Law

    Legal scholars play a significant role in shaping the direction of law in civil law systems, providing commentary and analysis.

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    Legal Provision

    A legal provision is a specific rule or regulation found in a legal code that sets out the law on a particular issue.

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    Codification

    A codified system of laws that are systematically organized and written down, such as the German Civil Code.

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    Subsumption

    A legal process where a judge applies a general rule to a specific case, drawing a conclusion from the rule.

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    Precedent Case

    A past case that guides judges in future decisions because it involved similar facts and legal issues.

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    Distinguishing

    The process of identifying a key difference between the case at hand and a previous decision, which allows the judge to deviate from the precedent.

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    Evidence Taking

    The process of proving a claim or defense with evidence, where both parties are actively involved.

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    Evidence Collection Responsibility

    The role of gathering and presenting evidence does not fall upon lawyers. It is the responsibility of the parties involved in the case.

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    Taxonomy

    A hierarchical system for classifying concepts or things.

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    Civil Law

    A legal system primarily based on comprehensive written codes.

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    Common Law

    A legal system founded on judicial decisions, customs, and precedent.

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    Religious Law

    A legal system based on religious texts and principles.

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    Hybrid/Mixed Systems

    A legal system combining elements of different legal traditions.

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    Doctrine of Reception

    A process where English law became applicable in British colonies.

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    Codified Legislation in Civil Law

    The primary source of law in civil law systems are comprehensive codified statutes.

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    Binding Precedent in Civil Law

    Judicial decisions in civil law systems are binding only to the parties involved in the specific case.

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    Jury Selection

    The process of selecting jurors for a trial. Potential jurors are summoned randomly, questioned by attorneys and judges (voir dire), and accepted or rejected for cause or by peremptory challenge.

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    Voir Dire

    The process of questioning potential jurors to determine their fitness for a trial. This involves assessing impartiality, biases, and other factors that might affect their decision.

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    Excused for Cause

    Removal of a potential juror due to a conflict of interest or bias. This ensures fairness and impartiality in the trial.

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    Peremptory Challenge

    A challenge that allows attorneys to remove a potential juror without needing to give a specific reason. It's a limited number per case.

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    Hung Jury

    A jury that fails to reach a unanimous verdict. The trial ends in a mistrial, and the prosecution decides whether to retry the case with a new jury.

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    Summary Judgment

    A legal process where parties agree on the facts and ask the judge to resolve the legal issues, skipping a trial by jury.

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    Discovery

    The pre-trial phase where parties gather information from each other, preparing for the trial.

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    Interrogatories

    Written questions that must be answered under oath by the opposing party during discovery.

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    Deposition

    Sworn testimony given outside of court, recorded for potential use during the trial. It's like a pre-trial interview under oath.

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    Balance of Probabilities

    The legal standard of proof in many civil cases, where the party with the burden must show it's more probable than not that their claims are true.

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    Cross-Examination

    The opposing party questions a witness's testimony to challenge their credibility or undermine their account.

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    Redirect Examination

    The original party to a witness re-examines them after cross-examination to clarify or reinforce their testimony.

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    Recross-Examination

    The opposing party can again question a witness after redirect examination, usually to follow up on points raised during redirect.

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    Defendant's Case in Chief

    The defendant presents their case and evidence after the plaintiff has finished presenting theirs.

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    Plaintiff's Rebuttal

    The plaintiff has the opportunity to respond to the evidence presented by the defendant during their case in chief.

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    Closing Arguments

    Both parties summarize their arguments and ask the jury or judge to rule in their favor.

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    Judge's Instructions to the Jury

    The judge explains the relevant legal rules and instructions to the jury on how to deliberate and reach a verdict.

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    Jury Deliberations and Verdict

    The jury discusses the case and reaches a verdict (guilty/not guilty or liable/not liable), which is the final decision in the trial.

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    Study Notes

    Common Law vs. Civil Law

    • Common Law originates from Anglo-Saxon customary law, while Civil Law originates from Roman Law.
    • Common Law is adversarial, with lawyers questioning witnesses and presenting evidence. Civil Law is inquisitorial, with judges questioning, demanding evidence, and lawyers arguing based on court-found evidence.
    • Common Law's sources include statutes, precedents from court opinions, and administrative rules. Civil Law primarily comes from statutory codes, with court opinions not carrying the same precedential weight.
    • Common Law heavily relies on stare decisis. Civil Law's interpretation mostly focuses on the statutory code's wording.
    • Juries in Common Law consist only of laypeople, used mostly in criminal cases, rarely in civil actions. Civil Law juries are almost exclusively used in criminal cases.
    • Judges in Common Law decide matters of law. In the absence of a jury they act as fact-finders. In civil law, judges act as inquisitors, interpreters of codes, and fact-finders.

    Evidence Taking

    • Common Law generally involves litigants questioning and demanding evidence.
    • Civil Law systems, the court takes the lead in gathering evidence.
    • Civil Law is characterized by legal codes as the primary source, rooted in Roman Law.
    • Examples of Civil Law countries include France, Germany, and various countries in Latin America and Africa.
    • Common Law systems rely on judge-made laws and precedents.

    History of Common Law

    • Common Law is uncodified, based on judicial decisions, court interpretations, and established practices.
    • Precedent is fundamental to Common Law, meaning courts typically follow previous rulings in similar cases, unless strong reasons to alter interpretation exist.
    • Historical English legal documents like Magna Carta and Habeas Corpus Act significantly shaped Common Law.
    • Common Law's sources include case law, statutes, statutory interpretation, delegated legislation, European law, custom, and equity.

    Court Hierarchy

    • Court hierarchies are established in various legal systems.
    • There are distinctions in handling various cases.

    Role of Judges

    • Judges in Common Law systems have a neutral role, particularly in the presence of a jury. Judges in Civil Law systems play a more active role, sometimes acting as inquisitors and fact-finders.
    • In the UK, solicitors handle transactional and advisory matters, while barristers are courtroom advocates.
    • Juries in UK and US systems serve different functions and consist of laypeople who decide facts in accordance with legal instructions.

    Criminal Justice Systems

    • Criminal trials involve determining guilt or innocence, leading to various sentences for those found guilty.
    • Precedent and procedures guide criminal trials.
    • Plea bargaining is a common feature in criminal cases.

    Presidential Candidates

    • Steps involved include primaries/caucuses, national conventions, and the general election.
    • Qualifications needed to be President.

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    Explore the key differences between Common Law and Civil Law systems. Understand their origins, processes, sources of law, and roles of judges and juries. This quiz will enhance your grasp of legal frameworks across different jurisdictions.

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