Unit Five What is law Who makes law

Unit Five What is law? Who makes law?

Unit Five • Jurisprudence – – The study of law • Law – - AA set of rulesororregulations that set of by a government regulates thatwhich by which a government ourregulates actions our actions

Unit Five • Law is loosely based upon moral values of a society – Morals are traditional ideas of right and wrong

Unit Five • Law falls into 2 major groups: – Criminal • Regulates public conduct and sets out duties –Punishment may include prison, fines, probation – Civil

Unit Five – Criminal Law is divided into 2 categories: • Felony – A more serious crime, punishable by more than one year in jail » Includes death penalty • Misdemeanor – A less serious crime, punishable by up to one year in prison

Unit Four – Criminal – Civil • Regulates actions between individuals and groups – Punishment includes paying money or making some other amends

Unit Four – Civil Law affects relationships in areas such as: • • Marriage Divorce Contracts Insurance Real Estate Consumer Protection Negligence – To bring a civil action = to sue someone (a lawsuit)

Unit Five • Settling Disputes – Settling outside of court • Negotiation -Two groups agree to resolve a dispute together

Unit Five • Mediation – A third party helps two groups resolve a dispute

Unit Five • Arbitration – A third party mandates a resolution to a dispute Negotiation Mediation Arbitration

Unit Five • There are 3 lawmaking bodies in the U. S. – Legislatures (Legislative) – Agencies (Executive) – Courts (Judicial)

Unit Five • Legislatures pass direct laws on a state or federal level

Unit Five • Federal Statutes affect every citizen of the nation • State Statutes affect every citizen of that state

Unit Five • Settling in court – The adversary system • A contest between two sides

Unit Five • In a criminal case, the prosecution must prove guilt – Beyond a reasonable doubt » What an average person would have to believe

Unit Five • Criminal Trial Pro D D Start of the trial Pro Guilty verdict

Unit Five • Civil Trial – In a civil trial, the plaintiff must prove guilt • with a preponderance of the evidence – More likely than not

Unit Five • Civil Trial Pla D Start of the trial Pla D Guilty verdict

Unit Five • Juries – The right to a jury is protected by the 6 th and 7 th Amendments • A jury is not required – Most criminal cases are never brought to a trial • Many resolved as a result of a plea bargain – An agreement to plead guilty to a lesser crime in exchange for a reduced or lighter sentence