Types and Sources of Law

System of rules created and enforced through social or governmental institutions.
Aims to regulate behavior and maintain order in society.

Criminal Law
- Governs crimes and their punishment.
- Involves the state prosecuting individuals for offenses against society.
Civil Law
- Deals with disputes between individuals or organizations.
- Focuses on compensation or restitution rather than punishment.
Administrative Law
- Regulates the actions of governmental agencies.
- Governs rules, regulations, and decisions made by administrative bodies.
Constitutional Law
- Explores the interpretation and application of a country’s constitution.
- Addresses the structure of government and individual rights.
International Law
- Governs the legal relationships between nations.
- Includes treaties, conventions, and international agreements.

Constitution: Fundamental principles or established precedents by which a state is governed.
Legislation: Laws enacted by a legislative body (statutes).
Case Law: Judicial decisions from courts that interpret laws.
Regulations: Rules created by administrative agencies based on statutory authority.

Litigation: The process of taking a legal action in court.
Mediation: A form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party assists in resolving disputes.
Arbitration: A binding process where an arbitrator makes a decision in a dispute.

Justice: The pursuit of fairness and equitable treatment under the law.
Due Process: Legal requirement that a person’s rights are respected and upheld during legal proceedings.
Rule of Law: The principle that all individuals and institutions are accountable to the law, which is fairly applied.

Burden of Proof: The obligation to prove one's assertion; usually falls on the prosecution in criminal cases.
Legal Precedent: Previous court decisions that influence future cases; embodies the principle of stare decisis.
Rights and Responsibilities: Legal entitlements and obligations of individuals within the legal framework.

Lawyers: Provide legal advice, represent clients, and advocate in court.
Judges: Preside over court proceedings and render decisions based on the law.
Paralegals: Assist lawyers in legal research, documentation, and case management.

Typically requires a degree in law (J.D. in the U.S.) and passing a bar exam to practice law.
Emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and understanding legal principles and systems.

A system of rules that are created and enforced through social and governmental institutions.
These rules are meant to regulate behavior and maintain order within a society.

Criminal Law: Focuses on crimes and their punishment. The state prosecutes individuals for offenses against society.
Civil Law: Deals with disputes between individuals or organizations. Focuses on compensation or restitution, rather than punishment.
Administrative Law: Primarily regulates the actions of government agencies. Governs rules, regulations, and decisions made by administrative bodies.
Constitutional Law: Examines the interpretation and application of a country's constitution. Focuses on the structure of government and individual rights.
International Law: Governs the legal relationships between different nations. This includes treaties, conventions, and international agreements.

Constitution: Outlines the fundamental principles or established precedents by which a state is governed.
Legislation: Laws enacted by a legislative body are also known as statutes.
Case Law: Decisions made by courts that interpret laws. This is also referred to as judicial precedent.
Regulations: Rules created by administrative agencies based on existing statutory authority.

Common Law: Based on judicial decisions and precedents. Evolves over time through the addition of new cases and interpretations.
Civil Law: Based on written codes and statutes. Relies less on case law.
Religious Law: Derived from religious texts. Varies greatly depending on the specific religion involved.

Litigation: The process of taking a legal action in court.
Mediation: A form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party assists in resolving disputes.
Arbitration: A binding process where an arbitrator makes a decision in a dispute.

Justice: The pursuit of fairness and equitable treatment under the law.
Due Process: A legal requirement ensuring that a person's rights are respected and upheld during legal proceedings.
Rule of Law: The principle that all individuals and institutions are accountable to the law. The law is applied fairly.

Burden of Proof: The obligation to prove one's assertion. Usually falls on the prosecution in criminal cases.
Legal Precedent: Previous court decisions that influence future cases. This embodies the principle of stare decisis.
Rights and Responsibilities: The legal entitlements and obligations of individuals within the legal framework.

Lawyers: Provide legal advice, represent clients, and advocate in court.
Judges: Preside over court proceedings and render decisions based on the law.
Paralegals: Assist lawyers in legal research, documentation, and case management.

Typically requires a degree in law (Juris Doctorate or J.D. in the U.S.) and passing a bar exam to practice law.
Legal education places a strong emphasis on critical thinking, analytical skills, and understanding legal principles and systems.