Sources of Our Laws 15.1

Functions of Law Laws are sets of rules that allow people to live together peacefully, they affect nearly everything we doLaws are sets of rules that allow people to live together peacefully, they affect nearly everything we do A major purpose of laws is to keep the peace and prevent violent acts; laws set punishments that are meant to discourage potential criminalsA major purpose of laws is to keep the peace and prevent violent acts; laws set punishments that are meant to discourage potential criminals Laws also set rules for resolving disagreements over money, property, contracts and other noncriminal mattersLaws also set rules for resolving disagreements over money, property, contracts and other noncriminal matters

Functions of Law 1.Good laws must be fair and treat all people equally 2.Good laws are reasonable and set out punishments that fit the crime 3.Good laws must be understandable, if the law is too complicated people might break them without realizing it 4.Good laws are enforceable by communities, states, and federal authorities

History of Law The Code of Hammurabi The first known system of written law was the Code of HammurabiThe first known system of written law was the Code of Hammurabi King Hammurabi of Babylonia compiled it about 1760 BC, it was a collection of 282 laws regulating everyday behavior and prescribed harsh penaltiesKing Hammurabi of Babylonia compiled it about 1760 BC, it was a collection of 282 laws regulating everyday behavior and prescribed harsh penalties

History of Laws The Ten Commandments Another set of early laws is the Ten Commandments in the Bible, Hebrews in ancient Palestine followed these laws which include moral rulesAnother set of early laws is the Ten Commandments in the Bible, Hebrews in ancient Palestine followed these laws which include moral rules

History of Law Roman Law In AD 533 Emperor Justinian I, ruler of the Byzantine Empire ordered Roman laws into a body of rules called the Justinian CodeIn AD 533 Emperor Justinian I, ruler of the Byzantine Empire ordered Roman laws into a body of rules called the Justinian Code

History of Law Roman law also became the basis of the Catholic Church, known as canon lawRoman law also became the basis of the Catholic Church, known as canon law

History of Law 1200 years later, French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte updated the Justinian Code and called it the Napoleonic Code; laws of Louisiana are based this1200 years later, French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte updated the Justinian Code and called it the Napoleonic Code; laws of Louisiana are based this

History of Law English Law The most important source of American law is English law, perhaps the greatest contribution is the English system of common lawThe most important source of American law is English law, perhaps the greatest contribution is the English system of common law Common Law = law based on court decisions rather than a legal code Common Law = law based on court decisions rather than a legal code

History of Law When judges decided a new case, they looked in the books for a similar case and followed the earlier ruling, or precedentWhen judges decided a new case, they looked in the books for a similar case and followed the earlier ruling, or precedent The law came to include basic principles of citizens ’ rights such as trial by jury and the concept that people are considered innocent until proven guiltyThe law came to include basic principles of citizens ’ rights such as trial by jury and the concept that people are considered innocent until proven guilty

History of Law Written statutes came to dominate the English legal system but common law continued to have a strong influence; when English settlers came to North America they brought their traditions of common law and individual rightsWritten statutes came to dominate the English legal system but common law continued to have a strong influence; when English settlers came to North America they brought their traditions of common law and individual rights