OVERVIEW OF THE LEGAL SYSTEM

Question 2

Substantive law

Answer 2

Defines the type of conduct permissible and the penalties for violation

Question 3

Procedural law

Answer 3

Defines the rules by which individual cases are decided

Question 4

Public law

Answer 4

Involves such areas as: administrative law, criminal law, constitutional law, taxation law

Question 5

Private law

Answer 5

Encompasses those areas where the legal system is used to resolve primarily disputes between private parties

Question 6

Civil law system

Answer 6

Individual cases are decided in accordance with an accepted set of principles. These principles are set out in the civil code

Question 7

Common law system

Answer 7

The common law approach involves analyzing similar cases which were previously decided and applying the basic principles set forth in those cases to the problem at hand

Question 8

Stare decisis doctrine

Answer 8

Lower courts are bound to follow the decisions or precedents of higher courts

Question 9

Trial court

Answer 9

Conducts the trial and issue a judgement

Question 10

Appellate court

Answer 10

Reviews the rulings and procedures followed by the lower court and issue a decision