definitions Flashcards
definition of law
Set of statutes that individuals within a society are governed by and are compelled to follow
definition of Jurisprudence
Knowledge or skill in the law.
Allows us to understand 3 things:
1. Understand court decisions, statutes and legal institutions
2. Understand society’s attitude toward the law
3. Gives us the tools to predict the future path of legal thinking
definition of Law as a Modern Concept
in modern society, a fair trial is the right to have one’s case adjudicated fairly. this is done by the judge or the jury.
Definition of Philosophy
The process of critical inquiry into the concepts of a particular branch of knowledge through the use of logic and reason
definition of natural law
The theory that law has some higher or divine origin. A God that created us
definition of positive law
Law in which human authority has its origin. God does not play a factor in this.
definition of Positivism
A philosophical doctrine that denies any validity to spectacle or metaphysics
definition of metaphysics
The use of reason to come up with a conclusion
definition of positive law
A philosophical doctrine that denies any validity to speculation of metaphysics
definition of Vigilante
You seek justice on your own, and you take the law into your own hands
Definition of Theocracy
Form of government in which the law of the state is the law of God
Definition of Convention
Strong entrenched rules that are followed by legislators, even though they are not formally enforced by the courts
Definition of Sovereignty
A countries ability to govern themselves, associated with freedom of a nation
Definition of Utilitarianism
Measures that benefit more people that they hurt
definition of Augustine
The leader of the Christian Church, his ideal justice was when christian justice reigned supreme. The church had a moral duty and authority to check the abuses of government, and to exercise moral veto over its actions. Perfect law is God’s law
definition of Mill
John Stuart Mill was an English philosopher and justice was designed around the philosophy of utilitarianism.
Definition of Sovereignty
the principle upon which a nation or ruling body exercises supreme political authority, jurisdiction or power over the affairs of the state
