Exam 1 Flashcards
Review for Exam 1
What is the book definition of Law?
A set of principles, rules, and standards of conduct that:
- Have general application in society.
- Have been developed by an authority.
- Have an associated penalty imposed on violations.
What are the basic functions of Law?
- Keep the peace.
- Enforce rules to maintain order.
- Facilitate planning.
- Promote social justice.
Civil legal Systems
Structured legal system around statutes.
Common Law legal systems
Court decision become binding law.
What is the legal system in the U.S.?
Common Law
Parties in cases in Civil Law?
Plaintiff v. Defendant
Parties in Criminal Law
Government v. Defendant
What is the difference between Procedural and Substantive laws?
Procedural laws deal with legal processes. How courts and laws are administered. Substantive laws deal with rights, duties, and privileges.
Name the sources of law from most to least
- Constitution
- Statutes
- Judicial Decisions
- Private Law (Contracts)
- Other (Treaties, Executive Orders etc.)
How is a statute created?
It is created through legislature
What does the term Stare Decisis mean?
“to stand by things decided.” Court decisions set precedent for the law.
What Articles in the Constitution outline each branch of government?
Articles I, II, and III
What are the terms and requirements for the House of Rep.?
25 years old, 7 years as U.S. citizen, 2-year terms, unlimited terms
What are the terms and requirements for the Senate?
30 years old, 9 years as U.S. citizen, 6-year terms, unlimited terms
What are the terms and requirements for the Supreme Court?
9 justices, appointed by the President, confirmed by the Senate, and serve a life term.
What are the terms and requirements for the President?
35 years old, natural born citizen, and 14 years as U.S. resident
What president has served multiple terms beyond the current term allowance?
FDR
What is the function of each branch?
Legislative = laws, declare war, and confirm justices
Executive = enforce laws
Judicial = evaluate laws
Simple process of impeachment?
House writes articles of impeachment
Senate holds a trial for impeachment
Which presidents have been impeached?
Donald Trump (abuser of power/obstruction of Congress)
Bill Clinton (lie under oath in Lewinsky scandal)
Andrew Johnson (violation of Tenure of Office Act)
(Nixxon came close)
Have any impeached President been convicted and removed from office?
No, but Andrew Johnson was close.
What offenses may a President be impeached?
bribery, treason, misdemeanors
Powers exclusively granted to the Federal government?
coin money, declare war, interstate commerce, taxes
Powers reserved to the States?
Everything else not exclusively granted to the Federal government (intrastate commerce, eminent domain, and police powers)
What is Federal Preemption?
The Federal government had the ability to pass law and States cannot pass conflicting laws against Federal laws.
What is an example of Federal Preemption
Arizona v. The Inter Tribal Council
What is the Commerce Clause?
The Federal government has the power to regulate interstate commerce.
What is the Dormant Commerce Clause?
States can only pass laws regulating intrastate commerce
What did the Court rule in Wickard v. Fuldburn?
The Court held the Commerce Clause against Wickburn for growing and holding crops.
Takings Clause
5th Amendment provision that forbids private property from being taken for public use without just compensation.
What is Eminent Domain?
State right to take private property for public use.
Elements of constitutional taking under Takings Clause?
- Taking
- Public purpose
- Just compensation
Difference between Procedural Due Process and Substantive Due Process?
Procedural means the same rules apply for everyone. Substantive means the same rights apply to everyone.
What is commercial speech?
Includes speech used by organizations such as advertising. Courts use intermediate scrutiny for this type of speech.