1. Sources and Types of Law
SSS: 3.10 – Identify sources and types of law
EQ: What types of law do we have in the United States and how has law evolved throughout history?

2. Vocabulary Words (p. 128-130) Jurisdiction Original Jurisdiction
Appellate Jurisdiction
Writ of certiorari

3. Sources of Law Read “The Code of Hammurabi” on page 145
Were the penalties for crimes in ancient Babylonia harsher than today?
Which of the laws listed were to deter crime, and which were to compensate a victim for losses?
How were the penalties for hurting another person different, depending on his or her social status?

4. Evolution of Law Magna Carta England (1215 A.D.) Trial by Jury
Laws have to be approved by Parliament, not just the king
Magna Carta
Roman Republic (450 B.C.)
Laws applied equally to poor and rich (but not equally to slaves)
Twelve Tables
Mesopotamia (1754 B.C.)
Different rules for different people
Hammurabi’s Code

5. It’s a bit more fair now…
Laws have evolved greatly since the time of Hammurabi, you will no longer have your hands cut off for hitting your father (yup, that was really a law). We now have many sources (or types) of law. Please read along on pages to learn more...

6. Civil Law
Governs everyday relations between citizens. Citizens can sue one another for personal injures or violations of contract. Also covers family matters (ex. Divorce)

7. Criminal Law
Prosecution and punishment of individuals for crimes. Criminal laws thus punish those who have committed crimes and help to those who have committed crimes and help to deter future crimes.

8. Constitutional Law
Federal laws that protect our rights found in the Constitution.

9. Military Law
Special laws and procedures that apply to the armed services. These laws help maintain discipline and security among our troops.

10. Statutory Law
Laws passed by legislatures, also known as statutes.

11. Common Law
Judges look at prior court decisions (precedents) on similar cases and interpret them.

12. State Law
Laws passed by state governments, including constitutions.

13. Federal Law
Laws passed by Congress, based on powers granted to Congress by U.S. Constitution.

14. Types of Law
Different types of laws sometimes overlap.

15. Scenarios
Read each scenario and write what type(s) of law each one describes
Note: not all types of law will be used