Criminal and Civil Law Overview

Questions and Answers

Match the legal terms with their definitions:

reservation = a legal way of making a provision less enforceable than it might otherwise be criminal law = the branch of law dealing with crimes and their punishment civil law = all law that does not involve criminal matters, such as tort and contract law defendant = the person against whom a claim is made

Match the types of offenses with their descriptions:

felony = a serious criminal offense punishable by a prison sentence of more than one year misdemeanor = a criminal offense less serious than a felony, punishable by a prison sentence of one year or less civil action = a noncriminal lawsuit, brought to enforce a right or redress a wrong prosecutor = the state or federal government's attorney in a criminal case

Match the legal standards with their context:

beyond a reasonable doubt = the level of proof required to convict a person of a crime preponderance of the evidence = the standard of proof used in a civil suit precedent = court decision on a legal question that guides future decisions extradition = the legal process in which one country or state asks another to surrender a criminal

Match the types of laws with their descriptions:

statutes = written laws enacted by legislatures ordinance = a county or city law bill = a proposed law being considered by a legislature legislative intent = what the lawmakers who passed a law wanted the law to mean Signup and view all the answers

Match the roles in a legal case with their functions:

plaintiff = the injured party who brings legal action against the alleged wrongdoer defendant = the person against whom a claim is made prosecutor = the attorney representing the government in a criminal case judge = the official who presides over court proceedings Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of court proceedings with their characteristics:

trial = a court proceeding appeals court = a court in which appeals from trial court decisions are heard public hearings = proceedings that are open to the public arbitration = a method of resolving disputes outside of the courts Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms related to legal processes with their meanings:

civil action = a lawsuit brought to enforce a right or redress a wrong extradition = the process to surrender a suspected or convicted criminal prosecutor = government's attorney in a criminal case reservation = making a legal provision less enforceable Signup and view all the answers

Match the elements of law with their explanations:

criminal law = dealing with crimes and their punishment civil law = law that deals with private rights of individuals statutes = written laws enacted by government bodies ordinance = laws at the county or city level Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Legal Terminology and Concepts

Reservation: A legal mechanism to make a provision less enforceable than typical.
Criminal Law: Governs crimes, specifying offenses and punishments associated with violating such laws.
Felony: Serious offense, typically punishable by over one year in prison.
Misdemeanor: Less serious crime, punishable by a year or less in prison.
Civil Law: Encompasses non-criminal matters, focusing on private rights involving torts and contracts.
Civil Action: A lawsuit aimed at enforcing rights or seeking redress for a wrong, not involving criminal charges.
Defendant: The individual against whom a legal claim is asserted in court.
Plaintiff: The injured party in a civil case initiating legal action against the alleged wrongdoer.
Prosecutor: Attorney representing the state or federal government in criminal cases.
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt: The stringent standard of proof required for convicting someone of a crime.
Preponderance of the Evidence: Standard of proof in civil cases, requiring that evidence is more convincing than the opposing side's.
Statutes: Formal written laws passed by legislative bodies.
Ordinance: Local laws enacted by counties or cities.
Bill: A proposal for new legislation under consideration by a legislature.
Legislative Intent: The intended meaning of a law as understood by the lawmakers who enacted it.
Public Hearings: Open proceedings allowing public participation and input on legislative matters.
Trial: Formal court proceeding for resolving legal disputes or accusations.
Appeals Court: Court that reviews decisions made by lower trial courts, addressing potential legal errors.
Precedent: Established court decisions that guide future cases with similar legal questions.
Extradition: Legal process where one jurisdiction requests the surrender of a suspected or convicted criminal by another.

Description

Test your understanding of key legal concepts with this quiz on criminal and civil law. Explore definitions of terms like reservation, felony, and misdemeanor to solidify your grasp of legal principles. Perfect for students and those interested in legal studies.