Introduction to Law Unit 1 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What are the three branches of government in the United States?

Legislative, executive, and judicial.

What are the three standards of legal justification?

Consensual encounters, investigative stops, and arrests.

What category of criminal intent is present when a person commits an illegal act without considering the results of the act?

General intent

What category of criminal intent is present when a person intends to commit a crime and intends to deprive an owner of something permanently?

<p>Specific intent</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the four basic classifications of criminal intent?

<p>General intent, specific intent, transferred intent, and recklessness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the four elements of negligence?

<p>A duty to act with care; breach of the duty to act; causation or proximate cause; and damages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two primary types of damages for negligence?

<p>Compensatory and punitive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the U.S. Constitution, all people stand equal before the law and therefore share certain rights.

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

Which of the following is an example of an enhanced penalty?

<p>Committing a misdemeanor or felony that furthered an act of terrorism. (A), Unlawfully taking, possessing, or using a law enforcement officer's firearm during the commission of a crime. (B), Wearing a mask to conceal one's identity while committing a crime. (C), Using a weapon while committing a crime. (D), Committing a violent offense against a law enforcement officer. (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a lawful use of a firearm in Florida?

<p>A person driving a vehicle while legally carrying a concealed weapon, even with a license. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the four types of legal justifications for a search warrant?

<p>Plain view, vehicle or mobile conveyance searches, exigent circumstances, and consent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three conditions that must be met to seize contraband in plain view?

<p>(1) You must be lawfully present in the place where you see the item; (2) You must have probable cause to believe that the item is contraband or crime evidence; (3) the item must be in plain sight.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a situation where an officer can conduct a warrantless search of a vehicle?

<p>A vehicle when the officer has obtained reasonable suspicion through information from fellow officers, information from third parties, or confirmed BOLOS. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Florida law, an officer may conduct a protective sweep upon entering a home to ensure the safety of the officer and the public, without a warrant.

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

What is the legal standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt?

<p>The legal standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt is used to determine whether a criminal defendant is guilty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of arrests allowed under Florida law?

<p>Arrests with a warrant and arrests without a warrant.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the legal standard of justification required to make an arrest?

<p>Probable cause.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of deadly force?

<p>Deadly force is any force that likely causes death or great bodily harm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard legal test used to determine the reasonable use of force by an officer?

<p>The objective reasonableness test.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the probable cause affidavit?

<p>The probable cause affidavit is used by the judge or the assistant state attorney to determine if probable cause exists.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of liability that an officer may face?

<p>Criminal and civil liability</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a tort?

<p>A tort is a civil wrong in which the action or inaction of a person or entity violates the rights of another person or entity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between direct liability and vicarious liability?

<p>Direct liability occurs when an officer commits a wrongful act in violation of agency policy, and vicarious liability occurs when the officer's actions are attributed to negligence on the part of the agency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is sovereign immunity?

<p>Sovereign immunity is the legal doctrine that protects the king and his agents from civil action.</p> Signup and view all the answers

An officer is protected from civil liability if they are acting in good faith and within the scope of their employment.

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

What are the different levels of the Florida court system?

<p>County courts, circuit courts, district courts of appeal, and the Florida Supreme Court.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the different levels of the federal court system?

<p>U.S. district courts, courts of appeal, and the Supreme Court of the United States.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a first appearance hearing?

<p>A first appearance hearing is a formal court proceeding that takes place within 24 hours of an arrest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a pretrial meeting?

<p>The pretrial meeting is an informal meeting of the attorneys, witnesses, and victims. It allows the prosecutor an opportunity to clarify the facts of the case and address any inconsistencies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a suppression hearing?

<p>A suppression hearing is a formal court proceeding where the defense challenges the admissibility of evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the three branches of the U.S. government and their roles within Florida law.

<p>The three branches of the U.S. government are the legislative branch, which is responsible for creating laws; the executive branch, which is responsible for enforcing laws; and the judicial branch, responsible for interpreting the laws.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of law?

<p>Constitutional, statutory, ordinance, criminal, civil, administrative. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An ordinance can conflict with federal law.

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

What is the primary role of administrative law?

<p>Administrative law establishes the operations and procedures of governmental agencies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is case law?

<p>Case law is formed through decisions of the judicial branch.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a precedent in case law?

<p>A precedent is a rule created by a court that law enforcement officers are required to follow.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the importance of staying current with case law.

<p>Staying current with case law is essential for law enforcement officers to ensure they are acting in accordance with the law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an agency policy?

<p>An agency policy is a set of rules established by a law enforcement agency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the main objective of law enforcement officers under the U.S. Constitution.

<p>To protect the constitutional rights of everyone within the United States.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the U.S. Constitution?

<p>To form a contract between the people of the United States and the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the U.S. government.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the first amendment?

<p>To protect rights related to freedom of speech, press, peaceful assembly, and religion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the second amendment?

<p>To guarantee the right to bear arms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the fourth amendment?

<p>To protect individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the fifth amendment?

<p>To protect individuals from self-incrimination and guarantee due process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the sixth amendment?

<p>To guarantee the right to a fair trial.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the eighth amendment?

<p>To protect individuals from cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the fourteenth amendment?

<p>To expand the application of the Bill of Rights to state and local governments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment protects the right to free speech?

<p>First (F)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment protects the right to bear arms?

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

Which amendment protects freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures?

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

Which amendment protects the right to remain silent during an investigation?

<p>Fifth (H)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment guarantees the right to a fair trial?

<p>Sixth (F)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment protects against cruel and unusual punishment?

<p>Eighth (F)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment expands the application of the Bill of Rights to state and local governments?

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

What are the four main types of offenses outlined in this excerpt?

<p>The four main types of offenses are non-criminal violations, misdemeanors, felonies, and capital felonies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum penalty for a misdemeanor in Florida?

<p>One year in a county jail.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum penalty for a life felony in Florida?

<p>Life in prison without the possibility of parole.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recognized category of criminal intent?

<p>Negligence (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe what is meant by an "Enhanced Penalty".

<p>An enhanced penalty refers to a sentence that is increased from one legal classification of an offense to a more serious classification due to prior convictions or the serious nature of the circumstances involved.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes the two categories of parties to a crime?

<p>The two categories of parties to a crime are principals in the first degree and accessories after the fact.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the four elements of negligence?

<p>The four elements of negligence are a duty to act with care, a breach of the duty to act, causation or proximate cause, and damages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of an exigent circumstance to justify a warrantless search?

<p>Inventory Search (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the plain view doctrine.

<p>The plain view doctrine allows for the seizure of contraband or evidence without a warrant if three conditions are met: the officer is lawfully present in the place where they see the item, the item is in plain sight, and the officer has probable cause to believe that the item is contraband or crime evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Carroll Doctrine?

<p>The Carroll Doctrine allows for the warrantless search of a vehicle if there is probable cause that the vehicle contains contraband or evidence of a crime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the legal standard of proof needed to convict someone of a crime?

<p>Beyond a reasonable doubt (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main types of law enforcement encounters?

<p>The three main types of law enforcement encounters are consensual encounters, investigative stops, and arrests.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What level of legal justification is needed for an officer to conduct an investigative stop?

<p>Reasonable suspicion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What level of legal justification is needed for an officer to make an arrest?

<p>Probable cause.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the legal justification for a Terry stop and frisk.

<p>An officer can frisk a person during a Terry stop if they have reasonable suspicion to believe that the person is armed and dangerous.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a pretext stop and how is it justified legally?

<p>A pretext stop is a traffic stop made by an officer based on a minor traffic violation, but the officer's true intent is to investigate a more serious crime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the four additional exceptions to the search warrant requirement that do not require a showing of probable cause?

<p>The four additional exceptions to the search warrant requirement that do not require a showing of probable cause are consent, inventory, administrative searches, and incident to arrest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the "curtilage" of a house refer to?

<p>The curtilage of a house refers to the space of ground and outbuildings immediately surrounding a structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for law enforcement officers to know when they can legally seize property in Florida?

<p>Law enforcement officers have the authority to seize property in Florida under the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is "reciprocity" in relation to concealed weapons and firearms?

<p>Reciprocity is a legal principle that allows law enforcement officers to recognize concealed weapons licenses issued by other states if that state agrees to recognize Florida licenses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a risk protection order (RPO)?

<p>A risk protection order (RPO) is a court order that temporarily restricts a person's access to firearms for up to one year if they pose a risk to themselves or others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main types of legal arrests?

<p>The two main types of legal arrests are arrest with a warrant and warrantless arrests.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a probable cause affidavit?

<p>A probable cause affidavit provides a sworn, written statement by a law enforcement officer, detailing the specifics of the crime, to support the legal justification for an arrest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe what is meant by the "objective reasonableness standard" regarding the use of force?

<p>Objective reasonableness means that the use of force by a law enforcement officer must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer in the same circumstances, without the benefit of hindsight.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between direct and vicarious liability regarding a law enforcement agency?

<p>Direct liability arises when a law enforcement agency is held liable for the actions of an employee, due to the agency's negligence in hiring, training, assigning duties, or retaining the employee. Vicarious liability occurs when a law enforcement agency is held liable for the actions of an employee, due to the agency's negligence in the employee's training, supervision, or direction, leading to a violation of another person's right.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main types of legal defenses for law enforcement officers in civil cases?

<p>The two main types of legal defenses for law enforcement officers in civil cases are sovereign immunity and acting within the scope of employment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of qualified immunity and why is is important for law enforcement officers?

<p>Qualified immunity protects government officials from civil liability for damages if their conduct did not violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights, protecting them from lawsuits unless they violated a clear rule of law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the four levels of the Florida court system?

<p>The four levels of the Florida court system are county courts, circuit courts, district courts of appeal, and the Florida Supreme Court.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three levels of the federal court system?

<p>The three levels of the federal court system are U.S. District Courts, Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of the United States.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the judge in a court proceeding?

<p>The judge presides over the courtroom, decides questions of law, and rules on questions of evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the prosecutor?

<p>The prosecutor represents the government in criminal cases and files formal charges against the accused.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the defense attorney?

<p>The defense attorney represents the defendant and ensures they get a fair trial.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a first appearance hearing?

<p>The purpose of a first appearance hearing is to determine if probable cause exists for detaining the defendant and to ensure that the defendant has legal representation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of an arraignment?

<p>The arraignment is where formal charges are filed by the state attorney's office, read aloud to the defendant, and the defendant formally enters a plea.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a pretrial meeting?

<p>The purpose of a pretrial meeting is to clarify the facts of the case, to address any inconsistencies in the evidence, and to ensure a smooth and efficient trial process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a suppression hearing?

<p>The purpose of a suppression hearing is to determine if evidence that was obtained by law enforcement officers should be admissible in court based on whether the evidence was obtained legally.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a sentencing hearing?

<p>The purpose of a sentencing hearing is for the judge to determine the appropriate punishment for the defendant after they have been found guilty or pleaded guilty to the charges.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a violation of probation hearing?

<p>The purpose of a violation of probation hearing is to determine if the defendant violated the terms of their probation, often based on new charges or behaviors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the common court orders that a law enforcement officer is likely to encounter?

<p>Common court orders that law enforcement officers may encounter include subpoenas, capiases, ex parte orders, pickup orders, protection orders, risk protection orders, and domestic violence protection orders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes service of a civil process?

<p>Service of a civil process involves the lawful delivery of court documents to a person, such as a witness subpoena, to appear in court or at a legal proceeding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the key elements involved in executing a search warrant?

<p>Executing a search warrant involves gathering and coordinating with other law enforcement agencies, safely handling the operation, staying within the scope of the warrant, and ensuring that all evidence and equipment are properly documented and handled.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Constitutional law

Identifies the powers and limits of government branches (legislative, executive, and judicial). It enforces constitutional standards and court interpretations.

Statutory law

Laws created by legislative bodies (Congress, state legislatures, local governments) meant to address specific needs.

Criminal law

Defines unacceptable behaviors and sets punishments for those actions, as determined by society.

Ordinances

Laws made by local governments (cities, counties) that apply only within their jurisdiction. They regulate specific issues.

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Civil law

Handles disputes between private individuals, seeking remedies like money, property, or enforcing rights.

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Administrative law

Governs how government agencies operate, ensuring they don't abuse their power and establishing internal processes.

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Case law

Law based on court decisions (judicial branch), interpreting statutes and clarifying constitutional provisions.

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Precedent

A legal rule established by an appellate court used as a basis for deciding similar cases.

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Probable cause

Reasonable grounds to believe a crime has been or is being committed, relying on the whole situation.

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Misdemeanor

A less serious criminal offense punishable by up to one year in jail.

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Felony

A serious criminal offense punishable by more than a year in prison or death.

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First Amendment

Guarantees freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion.

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Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring warrants with probable cause.

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Fifth Amendment

Protects against self-incrimination and ensures due process.

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Sixth Amendment

Guarantees a speedy trial, impartial jury, lawyer, and other legal protections.

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Eighth Amendment

Protects against excessive bail and cruel punishment.

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Reasonable suspicion

A lower standard than probable cause, justifying an investigative stop.

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Arrest warrant

Court order authorizing an arrest, based on an affidavit with probable cause.

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Warrantless arrest

Arrest made without a warrant under specific conditions, often requiring probable cause or the crime being committed in the officer's presence.

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Consensual encounter

Voluntary interaction with a person, where they are free to leave without any coercion.

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Investigative stop

Detention based on reasonable suspicion that a crime is or will be committed.

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Terry stop and frisk

Investigative stop where a pat-down is allowed if there’s reasonable suspicion the person is armed and dangerous.

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Pretext stop

Stopping a vehicle for a minor traffic violation as a pretense to investigate more serious crimes.

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Sources of Laws

Different types of laws that govern U.S. life.

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Constitutional Law

Governs the powers and limitations of government branches.

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Statutory Law

Laws made by legislative bodies at different levels.

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Criminal Law

Defines unacceptable behavior and punishments.

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Ordinances

Laws enacted by local governments, within their jurisdiction.

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Civil Law

Resolves disputes between private individuals.

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Administrative Law

Rules and procedures of government agencies.

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Case Law

Law formed by court decisions.

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Precedent

Legal rule from an appellate court, used in similar cases.

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Probable Cause

Reason to believe a crime is committed, based on evidence.

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Misdemeanor

Minor crime, punishable by up to a year in jail.

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Felony

Serious crime, punishable by more than a year in prison or death.

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First Amendment

Guarantees freedoms (speech, press, assembly, religion).

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Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable search and seizure.

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Reasonable Suspicion

Lower standard than probable cause; enough reason for an investigative stop.

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Arrest Warrant

Court order for an arrest, needing probable cause.

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Warrantless Arrest

Arrest without a warrant, under specific conditions.

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Consensual Encounter

Voluntary contact, where the person is free to leave.

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Investigative Stop

Temporary detention based on reasonable suspicion.

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Terry Stop and Frisk

Investigative stop allowing a pat-down for weapons.

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Pretext Stop

Stopping for a minor offense, to investigate more serious crimes.

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Florida Statutes

Laws enacted by the Florida Legislature.

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Enhanced Penalties

Increased penalties due to prior convictions or circumstances.

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Parties to a Crime

Individuals involved in the commission of a crime.

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General Intent

Committing an illegal act without considering consequences.

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Specific Intent

Intentional crime and intent to harm permanently

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Transferred Intent

Intending to harm one person, but harming another instead.

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Recklessness

Criminal liability for actions not intending harm, but causing it.

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Negligence

Failure to act with the care of a reasonable person.

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Elements of Negligence

The four components to prove negligence in the court of law.

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Duty to Act with Care

Obligation defined by laws or contracts.

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Breach of Duty

Unreasonable and illegal act.

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Causation/Proximate Cause

The connection between action and resulting harm.

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Damages

Compensations for injuries.

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Compensatory Damages

Reimbursements for harm.

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Punitive Damages

Punishments for wrongdoings.

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Open Fields Doctrine

Areas not protected by reasonable expectation of privacy.

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Abandoned Property

Property given up by the owner.

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Search Warrant

Legal permission to search a place, based on proof of probable cause.

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Exceptions to Search Warrant

Specific conditions allowing search without warrant.

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Plain View

Seizing evidence in plain sight when lawfully present.

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Mobile Conveyance

Searching vehicles without warrants if there's probable cause.

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Exigent Circumstances

Situations requiring immediate action (evidence destruction, emergency).

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Consent Search

Search allowed with voluntary agreement.

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Inventory Search

Documentation of property in impounded vehicles.

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Administrative Search

Searches in specific settings without warrants (e.g., schools, businesses).

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Search Incident to Arrest

Search of a person arrested, and within their reach.

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Contraband Forfeiture

Seizing property involved in criminal activity.

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Lawful Ownership of Weapons

Legal possession standards for firearms in Florida.

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Concealed Weapons License

Requirement for carrying concealed firearms.

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Risk Protection Order

Court order temporarily restricting access to firearms.

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Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

Standard of evidence in criminal trials for a guilty verdict

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Study Notes

Unit 1: Introduction to Law

  • Lesson 1: Law Systems

    • Law enforcement duties include responding to calls, patrolling, determining law violations, making arrests, investigating crimes, and understanding federal, state, and local laws.
    • Laws protect rights, freedoms, lives, maintain order, protect property, regulate businesses, and raise government revenue.
    • U.S. Constitution establishes the government and its three branches: legislative (creates laws), executive (enforces laws), and judicial (interprets laws).
    • Constitutional law defines the power and limits of each branch.
    • Florida has its own constitution similar to the U.S. constitution.
    • Statutory law is created by legislative bodies.
    • Ordinances are local laws created by municipal or county governments.
    • Civil law resolves non-criminal disputes, such as child custody or property disputes.
    • Administrative law governs government agencies' operations and procedures.

  • Lesson 2: Constitutional Law

    • U.S. Constitution establishes the legal framework.
    • Articles of the Constitution define the responsibilities of the three branches of government.
    • Constitutional amendments of special note include: First (speech, press, assembly, religion), Second (bear arms), Fourth (unreasonable searches and seizures), Fifth (due process, self-incrimination), Sixth (speedy trial, counsel), Eighth (cruel and unusual punishment), and Fourteenth (due process, equal protection).

  • Lesson 3: Classification of Offenses

    • Offense is a breach of law. Criminal offenses are misdemeanors or felonies.
    • Misdemeanors have a maximum incarceration penalty of up to one year in county jail.
    • Felonies have a maximum incarceration penalty of more than one year in state correctional facility. Felonies are ranked by severity (third-, second-, first-degree and life felony, and capital felony).

  • Lesson 4: Reading and Understanding Statutes

    • Florida Statutes are organized by chapters, sections, and subsections.
    • Case law is formed by court decisions and interprets statutes.
    • Enhanced penalties result when a prior conviction or the serious circumstances of a case are considered.

  • Lesson 5: Laws of Arrest

    • Arrest is depriving a person of their liberty by legal authority.
    • Two types of arrests: with a warrant and without a warrant.
    • Warrantless arrests are possible under certain circumstances (felony or misdemeanor committed in the presence of the officer, or there is probable cause).
    • A notice to appear is an alternative to arrest and the accused agrees to appear in court at a later date.
    • Probable cause affidavits are written statements for an arrest under legal authority.

  • Lesson 6: Use of Force

    • Officers' use of force is restricted by case law, statutes, and agency policy.
    • Reasonable force is necessary in any given situation.
    • Graham v. Connor case established the objective reasonableness standard for use of force.
    • Tennessee v. Garner case limits the use of deadly force on fleeing suspects.
    • Florida Statutes define deadly force as any force reasonably likely to cause death or great bodily harm.

  • Lesson 1: Categories of Criminal Intent

    • Criminal intent refers to the deliberate and wrongful act or omission and includes general intent, specific intent, transferred intent, and recklessness.
    • Negligence is the failure to act with the level of care expected under the circumstances.
    • The elements of negligence include legal duty to act, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
    • Compensatory and punitive damages are different types of compensations that result from negligence.

  • Lesson 2: Standards of Legal Justification

    • Three types of interactions with the public: consensual encounters, investigative stops, and arrests.
    • Consensual encounters are voluntary.
    • Investigative stops require reasonable suspicion.
    • Arrests require probable cause.
    • A Terry stop (investigative stop) allows brief detention and pat-down if there is reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.
    • Probable cause is reasonable belief that a crime has occurred, is occurring, or is about to occur.

  • Lesson 3: Search and Seizure

    • Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures.
    • A valid search warrant is required to enter and search a home without exception.
    • Exceptions to the warrant requirement include plain view, mobile conveyances, exigent circumstances, fresh pursuit, administrative searches, and consent.
    • Exceptions to the warrant requirement vary in legal criteria, that include probable cause.

  • Lesson 4: Weapons and Firearms Possession

    • Florida Statute Chapter 790 details lawful ownership and use of firearms.
    • Persons under 21 can't purchase firearms from licensed dealers.
    • Some locations prohibit firearms, even with a license.

  • Lesson 5: Laws of Arrest

    • Procedures for arrest (warrant/warrantless).
    • Authority to arrest.
    • Notice to Appear, as an alternative.

  • Lesson 6: Use of Force

    • Legal basis for using force.
    • Reasonable force is necessary.
    • Levels of force (basic physical restraint, less lethal force, deadly force).
    • Considerations for use of force (severity of crime, threat to officers, resistance).

Unit 3: Liability

  • Lesson 1: Types of Liability

    • Criminal liability involves breaking the law, resulting in criminal charges.
    • Civil liability results from a wrongful act that harms another person or property.
    • Torts are civil wrongs, including intentional (like assault or battery) or unintentional (like negligence).

  • Lesson 2: Protecting Officers Against Liability

    • Sovereign immunity protects government agencies and employees from some civil lawsuits.
    • Qualified immunity protects officers from liability for actions taken in good faith and within the scope of their employment
    • Clear duty, when in duty and in the employee's role.
    • Scope of employment limits liability.

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