Chapter 15 Section 2 Chapter 16 Sections 1 and 2 Types of Laws Chapter 15 Section 2 Chapter 16 Sections 1 and 2

Types of Laws Criminal Law – Laws that try to keep people from intentionally hurting another person or another person’s property. Civil Laws – Cases that involve disagreements between people or groups that have not broken any laws. Constitutional Law – It involves rights of citizens that are protected in the Constitution. Administrative Law – Laws that deal with all of the rules that the government agencies must follow. International Law – It involves treaties and agreements made between nations. Violations of International Law are heard at the World court in the Hague (Netherlands).

Criminal Law In a criminal case the government charges someone with a crime. The accused person is called the defendant. In the U.S. court system,a person is “innocent until proven guilty.” Type of Crime Definition Punishment Misdemeanor A minor law violation Less than a year in jail or a fine. Felony A serious law Violation A year or more in jail. Murder may receive the death penalty.

Steps in a Criminal Trial Tom is caught robbing a gas station Steps in a Criminal Trial Tom is caught robbing a gas station. This is his story. Trial The Prosecution and Defense present their cases to a jury, and the jury reaches a verdict. Arrest Police arrest Tom. Arraignment If Tom pleads not guilty, a trial date will be set. If he accepts a plea bargain, he will plead guilty and there will be no trial. Preliminary Hearing Judge sets his bail. OR Sentencing Tom is found guilty, the judge sentences him. Acquittal Tom is found not guilty and he goes home. Indictment Grand Jury hears evidence and formally charges Tom with the crime.

Civil Law In a civil case, the plaintiff claims to have suffered a loss because of the defendant. The plaintiff sues the defendant for damages. The defendant claims that there was not a loss, or that he or she was not responsible for the loss. Types of Civil Cases Property Disputes – arguments over property Breach of contract – broken legal agreements Family matters – divorces and adoptions Negligence – when someone is injured because of another person’s carelessness. Personal injury – when a person is injured and it is someone else’s fault

Steps in a Civil Trial The plaintiff is the person with a complaint Steps in a Civil Trial The plaintiff is the person with a complaint. The defendant is the person accused of wrongdoing. Plaintiff’s attorney files a complaint Attorneys exchange statements about the case Attorneys argue the case in court Court sends a summons to the defendant Court gives a verdict Defendant’s attorney files a written answer about the complaint.