exam #1 Flashcards
laws made by judges
common law
laws passed by a state legislature
statute
voters vote on a law
referendum
passes laws
ex: the senate
legislature
federal judges may declare them
unconstitutional laws
highest law of the land. protects freedom of speech
U.S. constitution
national defense, federal taxes, & crime laws. these laws effect every U.S. citizen, crimes committed out of state become federal crimes
federal court/laws
effect 1 state only, marriage laws, driving age, and in state crimes are state laws
state court/laws
civil vs criminal law
civil: person vs. person, punished with $$
criminal: government vs. person, punishment can vary from fines to prison, probation, etc.
court of appeals, one party asks judge to change their decision
appellate court
files the lawsuit in a civil trial
plaintiff
gets sued or charged by government
defendant
responsible in civil court
liable
only found in criminal court
guilty/ not guilty
money paid in civil court
damages
jury that is not unanimous
hung jury
ex: FDA and IRS
agencies
punishment in criminal court
sentence
decision in criminal court
verdict
judge vs. jury trial
jury determines guilt
judge determines sentence
sentence that is not carried out
suspended sentence
statement made by prosecutor or plaintiffs attorney
opening statement
personal injury or product liabilty
tort law
explain the first step of a criminal trial
first is the indictment.
the prosecutor lays out case before the grand jury –> if there is sufficient evidence the suspect is indicted, second is the arraignment, this is when you plea either guilty or not guilty. case usually ends after a plea bargain