1. Our Laws and Legal System
Chapter 1

2. Our Laws and Legal System
What Is Law?

3. What is law
The enforceable rules of conduct in a society that reflects the culture and circumstances that create them.

4. King Hammurabi of Babylon
Set the first known law code
About 4,000 years ago
Very similar to the laws of today
He had 282 laws that told what happened to you for what offence you committed
This is where the term ”set in stone” comes from

8. Stages in the Growth of Law
Individuals take revenge for wrongs done to them
Awards of money or goods are substituted for revenge
Court systems are formed
A central authority figure intervenes to prevent and punish wrongs

9. Common Law vs. Positive Law
All laws reflect the wisdom – or the lack of – of their creators
Laws should be predictable and flexible
Common Law - Based on the current standards and customs of the people
Positive Law - Set down by a controlling authority to prevent disputes and wrongs from occurring  

10. The two main systems of Law
English Common Law
This is what the United States has patterned their system after and was brought to America with the Colonists
Roman Civil Law
Countries using this system have written well organized set of statutes in code form
These laws or only changed by the central government, not the judges who administer them  

11. English Common Law
Disputes were settled by local customs and enforced by the local baron’s power
Around 1150 King Henry II decided to improve the situation of the law in England
King Henry also saw the importance to decide cases in harmony with the customs of the people  