What every student should know to pass the Civics & Economics EOC Civics & Economics Top 100 What every student should know to pass the Civics & Economics EOC Goal 6

Goal 6: The learner will explain why laws are needed and how they are enacted, implemented, and enforced at the national, state, and local levels.

Foundations of Law Code of Hammurabi - the earliest legal code known in its entirety Ten Commandments - ten injunctions given to Moses, serving as the basis of Mosaic Law Justinian Codes - the collections of laws and legal interpretations developed under the sponsorship of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I

Types of Laws Common law – a body of law based on judges’ decisions Criminal law – the group of laws that tell which acts are crimes, how accused persons should be tried in court, and how crimes should be punished Civil law – the group of laws that help settle disagreements between people

Types of Laws Constitutional law - a body of statutory and case law based on, concerns, or interprets a constitution Administrative law - the body of rules, regulations, orders, and decisions created by administrative agencies of government  Statutory law - the body of laws created by legislative statutes International law - the body of rules that nations generally recognize as binding in their conduct toward one another.

Creation of Laws The early leaders of our nation knew that it was important to establish a set of laws for the nation. Law must be fair, reasonable, and understandable.

Lobbying Procedures Interest groups work to convince senators and representatives to support bills that help their members and to oppose bill that hurt them. This is done by hiring lobbyists, people who represent interest groups.

Mass Media Newspapers, motion pictures, radio, television, and magazines, all of which have the technical capacity to deliver information to millions of people.

Consequences of Breaking the Law A major purpose of laws is to keep the peace and prevent violent acts. Laws set punishments that are meant to discourage potential criminals from such acts as murder, assault, or robbery.

Types of Punishments Probation Juvenile detention Community service House arrest Prison Boot camp

Criminal Trial Process Arrest – Police arrest and book suspect Preliminary Hearing – Suspect appears before a judge, bail is set Indictment – Grand jury hears evidence and formally charges the suspect with a crime Arraignment – Defendant pleads not guilty, trial date is set. OR Defendant pleads guilty and accepts a plea bargain. Trial – Prosecution and defense present cases to jury. Jury reaches verdict. Acquittal – Defendant found not guilty and goes free. OR Sentencing – Defendant found guilty, judge sentences defendant.

Civil Trial Plaintiff’s attorney files a complaint Court sends a summons to defendant Defendant’s attorney files a written answer Attorneys for both sides exchange pleadings documents Attorneys for plaintiff and defendant argue case in court Court gives a verdict

Law Enforcement Agencies Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Municipal or county law enforcement

Independent Agencies There are three types of independent agencies: Executive Agencies are under the direct control of the President. (NASA, EPA) Regulatory Commissions make and carry out rules for certain business or economic activities. (FCC, CPSC) Government Corporations are like private businesses, but provide public services. (US Postal Service)

Regulatory Commissions The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) makes rules for radio and television stations. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets safety standards for products.

Informed Citizenry “Ignorance of the law is no excuse.”