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

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).

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.