Law Module 1: Introduction to Law Concepts

Study Notes

Concept of Law

Law is defined as an ordinance of reason established for the common good.
For law to be effective, it must be made known to those expected to follow it.

Classification of Law According to Promulgation

Natural Law: Implied in conscience and nature.
- Natural Moral Law: Pertains to higher faculties; emphasizes the pursuit of good and avoidance of evil.
- Law of Nature: Affects both higher and lower faculties; exemplified by natural phenomena like gravity.
Positive Law: Explicitly promulgated by authority.
- Divine Positive Law: Established by divine authority, such as the Ten Commandments.
- Divine-Human Positive Law: Inspired by divine authority, including Catholic Church doctrines.
- Human Positive Law: Created by human authorities, encompassing statutes and executive orders.

Human Positive Law

Defined by Sanchez Roman as a rule of conduct that is just, obligatory, promulgated by legitimate authority, and for common benefit.
Emphasized by Justice Edgardo L. Paras as a reasonable rule that may enforce sanctions for disobedience.
Influenced by various legal traditions, including Roman, Spanish, American, international law, local customs, and Islamic laws.

Classification of Human Positive Law

According to Establishment:
- Substantive Law: Defines rights and duties.
- Remedial or Procedural Law: Dictates the enforcement of legal rights and claims.
According to Scope or Content:
- Private Law: Governs relationships between community members; includes civil and commercial laws.
- Public Law: Regulates interactions between individuals and the state; covers political, criminal, and remedial laws.
According to Force or Effect:
- Mandatory Laws: Must be followed, reflective of public policy, with penalties for non-compliance; criminal violations typically result in imprisonment or fines.
- Permissive Laws: Allow for deviations at the individual's discretion.

Effectivity of Philippine Laws

A law must become effective to be useful; five requisites for ordinary laws to take effect in the Philippines include:
- Approval by competent authority, which can take forms such as Acts, Republic Acts, or Executive Orders.

Law-Making Process

Bill Introduction: Proposed by any member of Congress, except certain measures limited to the House of Representatives.
First Reading: Brief reading of the bill’s title; referral to a committee.
Committee Process: Bill can be terminated or recommended for approval; may involve public hearings.
Second Reading: Full reading of the bill; scrutiny, debate, and possible amendment.
Third Reading: Voting occurs without further debate.
Transmittal: Approved bill moves to the other legislative chamber, undergoing a similar process.
Compromise Measures: If discrepancies arise, a conference committee drafts a compromised version.
Enrollment and Authentication: Final bill printed, signed by legislative leaders, and submitted to the President.
Presidential Decisions: The President can approve (sign), veto (reject), or allow a bill to lapse into law without action.

Description

This quiz focuses on the foundational concepts of law as outlined in Module 1. It explores the definition of law, its purpose for the common good, and classifications of law according to promulgation, including natural law and moral law. Test your understanding of these fundamental legal principles.