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United States Law

United States Law. Laws can govern how people act in certain environments. But how are laws made?. 4 Main Types of United States Law. Common law Statutory law Constitutional law Administrative law. Common Law. Body of law based on judicial rulings made in cases.

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United States Law

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  1. United States Law • Laws can govern how people act in certain environments. • But how are laws made?

  2. 4 Main Types of United States Law • Common law • Statutory law • Constitutional law • Administrative law

  3. Common Law • Body of law based on judicial rulings made in cases. • 1st style of law developed • Judges heard arguments • Made decisions based on facts.

  4. How does common law work in America? Consider the following… • Linda is a 7yr old black girl in Kansas. • She has to walk 7 miles while passing 2 other all-white schools everyday. • Dad sues the city complaining discrimination. • He wants his daughter to be able to go to the school closer to home. • Should he win his case?

  5. Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas • Linda Brown’s dad wins! • What does this mean? • Judge rules that schools can not be segregated by color!

  6. Statutory Law • Laws passed by: • City councils • State legislatures • Congress • Can be found written in a law book!

  7. Criminal law 2 main types Felonies Serious crimes that are major offenses Murder Rape Burglary/Theft Drug trafficking Misdemeanors Lesser crimes Drunk in public Resisting arrest Civil law Involves disputes between 2 private parties for causing some harm. Most common tort law Contracts law Plaintiff Person suing for damages Defendant Person being sued 2 types of Statutory Laws

  8. How do you win a civil case? • The person suing must prove other party was acting negligently. • They fail to provide you with ‘duty of care’ • Therefore, you got hurt! • So, if they were negligent and you get injured, you can sue for lots of money! • Reasons to sue: • Physical damage • Mental/psychological damage • Something you own was destroyed

  9. Constitutional Law • Any law written in the U.S. Constitution • Including the amendments! • Has supreme standing over all other types of law!! • This is usually used as an argument by somebody in trouble! • “Its against my Constitutional rights, man!”

  10. Administrative Law • Regulations made by executive departments and independent agencies. • Food and Drug Administration • Must put labels on all foods people buy! • Environmental Protection Agency • Must have cars e-checked!

  11. International Laws refer to any laws that affect the U.S. and other nations. • These laws might involve military agreements, diplomatic treaties, trade regulations and other international agreements (like fishing rights).

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