Law Flashcards
Constitution
Definition: Fundamental principles of government.
Example: United States Constitution.
Statutes
Definition: Laws enacted by legislative bodies.
Example: United States Code.
Administrative Agency
Definition: Governmental body with regulatory authority.
Example: FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
Precedent
Definition: Court decision or ruling that determines the decision in a subsequent, similar case.
Example: Roe v. Wade.
Criminal Law
Definition: Law dealing with offenses against society.
Example: Theft, Murder.
Civil Law
Definition: Law dealing with enforcement or protection of private rights.
Example: Contract disputes, Personal injury cases.
Felony
Definition: Serious crime punishable by imprisonment or death.
Example: Murder, Armed robbery.
Misdemeanor
Definition: Less serious crime, typically punishable by fines or short imprisonment.
Example: Petty theft, Disorderly conduct.
Tort
Definition: Civil wrong causing harm or loss, leading to legal liability.
Example: Negligence, Defamation.
Tortfeasor
Definition: Person committing a tort.
Example: Negligent driver causing a car accident.
Criminal
Definition: Person who brings the action in a criminal case is the prosecutor representing the state or government.
Civil
Definition: Person who brings the action in a civil suit is the plaintiff, usually an individual or entity seeking compensation or resolution of a dispute.
Purpose of Laws
- Establish rules to avoid disputes.
- Establish rules to resolve disputes.
Business Law:**
Rules of conduct for the performance of business transactions.
Negligence Elements to Prove at Trial
- Duty
- Breach
- Causation
- Damages
