1+2 Flashcards
what are laws
enforceable rules governing relationships among individuals & between individuals and their society
why are laws relevant to business?
many different laws may affect a single business transaction
why should non lawyers study law?
spots issues & prevention is key
what’s the background on the american legal system ?
Federal vs State
What are the 3 branches within Federal
- Legislature
- Agencies
2.Executive - Judicial
What are the sources of American Law? (sources that establish the law)
- Constitutional Law (US & State constitution)
2.Statuary Law (statutes: Laws passed by legislature)
3.Administrative Law (regulations created by administrative agencies - Case Law & Common law Doctrines
Constitutional Law
Lays out the powers & organization of the govt. Each state and the federal govt have a constitution
US constitution & state constitution
Statutory Law
Laws enacted by legislatures; local state and federal govt each have statutory codes
Administrative Law
written rules established by local ,state, or federal agencies
Case Law & Common law doctrines
Rules of law set forth by courts. Courts interpret other sources of American law (including precedent)
Where does a state statute get applied?
applies only within the states borders,vary from state to state . cant violate the US constitution
How are agencies created ?
a statute by congress is passed that authorizes the creation of admin agencies
What types of agencies are there?
1.Federal Agencies (food and drug administration)
2. State and local agencies (state pollution control agency,environmental protection agency)
What are the Ranking of Laws
- Constitutional Law Trumps all
- Generaly federal trumps state - Statute/Regulations trump common law
- exception would be if supreme court finds unconstitutionality
what’s common law
refers to the body of law that have developed from court decisions or past rules kings used as a whole country
note: once you have written a decision, refer to it as a “judge”
why’s it called the common law tradition
the American legal system is based upon the principles established by the English legal system of common law. “early english courts”