Unit A: Basics of the Law Objective 01.01 Understand the origins of law. EVOLUTION OF THE LAW

Evolution of American Law Laws are rules of conduct established by the government of a society to maintain stability and justice in that society. American law, like its people, is a blending of changing ideas and diverse cultures.

A Legal Timeline: Code of Hammurabi Circa 1750 BC Oldest known written code of laws Sumerian King Hammurabi Civil and Criminal Laws and Penalties

Judeo-Christian Influences Circa 1200 BC until 1st century AD The Ten Commandments Set of Jewish laws The Bible Old and New Testament religious rules of conduct Christianity influenced American law

Greek Legal System Philosophers debated ideals of justice Circa 620 BC Draco, the Greek lawgiver, classified law into four areas: tort, family, public and procedural laws “Rule of Law” should govern man, not other men First legal system using a jury Included laws of commerce and property

Twelve Tablets of Roman Civil Law Circa 450 BC Romans adapted Greek laws Applied to Roman citizens Civil Laws Civil Obligations

Roman Empire 560 AD Emperor Justinian “Corpus Juris Civilis” means body of civil law Laws applied to Holy Roman Empire which spread over Western Europe

The Magna Carta 1215 AD Established English constitutional liberties Basic human rights Protection from abuse by government

English Common Law Developed in 12th Century England Unwritten law based on local customs

**International Note** Napoleanic Law Influenced by Roman Civil Law Established by Emperor Napoleon of France Transported to French Colonies Quebec Province, Canada Louisiana, USA

**International Note** Legal systems following Napoleanic Code Modern day Quebec, Canada Modern day Louisiana, USA Did not accept the entire Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Louisiana has modified many state laws to correspond with 49 other states for uniformity

Constitutions A document which spells out the principles by which a government rules and the fundamental laws that govern a society American constitutions US Constitution (1787) Each state has a constitution

Timeline is Incomplete… American law is constantly changing as our society changes. Our laws change to meet the needs of society.

**International Note** In other countries, laws are based on moral and religious rules. Islam: Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, practice the Muslim faith. Hinduism: India studies the Mahabharata for rules of living. Buddhism: Southeast Asia and Japan follow the teachings of Buddha.

Student Response: Can you name a law that passed in reaction to events of 9/11? PATRIOT ACT Can you name other laws that recently passed or changed?