Chapter 2

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What is the main purpose of laws?

To protect rights, freedoms, and lives, and maintain order (correct)

To regulate businesses exclusively

To raise money for state and federal governments only

To limit individual freedoms

Which branch of government is responsible for creating laws?

Legislative branch (correct)

Judicial branch

Executive branch

A combination of all three branches

What is the primary function of constitutional law?

To define the powers of the executive branch

To uphold standards set forth in the Constitution and court decisions (correct)

To regulate business operations

To identify the limitations of the judicial branch

What happens when state and federal laws conflict?

Federal law generally takes precedence (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the legislative branch in the U.S. government?

Creating laws (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of constitutional law?

To outline the powers and limitations of each branch of government (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of government is responsible for interpreting laws?

Judicial branch (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the supremacy clause?

It states that federal law is superior to state and local law (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the executive branch in the U.S. government?

Enforcing laws (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of criminal law?

To identify and punish unacceptable behaviors (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the scope of application of ordinances?

Only within the jurisdiction of the enacting entity (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation on ordinances?

They cannot conflict with state, federal, or case law (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of law includes criminal, civil, administrative, and regulatory laws?

Statutory law (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of criminal law?

Identifying behaviors deemed unacceptable by society (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the scope of application of statutory law?

At the federal, state, and local levels (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of violation might an ordinance regulate?

Both criminal and civil infractions (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of civil law?

To resolve non-criminal private disputes (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a cause of action in civil law?

A set of facts that justify a right to sue to obtain money, property, or the enforcement of a right against someone (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of administrative law?

To govern the internal operations of governmental agencies and ensure they do not abuse their power (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a civil law situation?

A child custody issue (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the limitation of law enforcement action in civil law situations?

Law enforcement can only keep the peace and refer to the appropriate jurisdiction (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis for court-imposed decisions in case law?

The court's interpretation of constitutional provisions (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of an appellate court's decision on lower courts?

Lower courts are required to follow the decision, unless a higher court changes it (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of circuit court rulings?

They are binding for that jurisdiction (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to keep current with changes in case law?

To ensure you are performing your duties correctly (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended source for staying current with statutory and case law?

Agency bulletins and legislative updates (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of precedent in case law?

It is a rule that must be followed, unless a higher court changes it (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between case law and statutes?

Case law is based on the court's interpretation of statutes (A) Signup and view all the answers

What determines the authority of a law enforcement officer?

The limitations set by the Constitution (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of a law enforcement officer in the United States?

To protect the constitutional rights of everyone (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the people and the government according to the Constitution?

There is a contract between the people and the government (B) Signup and view all the answers