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Questions and Answers
What significant role do courts have in the Anglo-American legal tradition?
What significant role do courts have in the Anglo-American legal tradition?
Which issue was NOT mentioned as being influenced by changes to common-law precedents?
Which issue was NOT mentioned as being influenced by changes to common-law precedents?
What is suggested about the relationship between judges and statutory laws?
What is suggested about the relationship between judges and statutory laws?
What constitutional mechanism is mentioned as a way to adjust protections under the Constitution?
What constitutional mechanism is mentioned as a way to adjust protections under the Constitution?
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What might A. De Tocqueville's quote imply about the courts' powers?
What might A. De Tocqueville's quote imply about the courts' powers?
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Study Notes
Separation of Powers and Checks & Balances
- The American legal system gives courts immense political power
- Tocqueville (in 1836) commented on this power.
- The tension between judge-made and statutory law shapes the system.
- Courts interpret the Constitution and precedents.
- Amendments adjust the Constitution and protect rights.
- This includes changing common law precedents (e.g. abolition, divorce, property rights, segregation, abortion).
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Description
Explore the intricate dynamics of the American legal system, focusing on the separation of powers and the system of checks and balances. Uncover the historical insights of Tocqueville and the ongoing tension between judge-made and statutory law, alongside the role of amendments in shaping constitutional rights.