1. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 SECTION OPENER / CLOSER INSERT BOOK COVER ART Section 12.2 You and the Legal System

2. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN The difference between civil and criminal law How civil law cases are resolved continued

3. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN The different legal services that can be used to settle disputes

4. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 An understanding of the law and how it affects you is necessary for dealing with job-related conflicts. WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

5. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 civil law summons criminal law felonymisdemeanor contingency fee KEY TERMS

6. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 Civil law applies to conflicts between private parties over rights and obligations. Divorce, custody battles, and personal injuries fall into this category. The Legal Battlefield

7. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 Companies may also become involved in civil law cases. A company can be found liable for personal injury, illegal dismissal, or sexual harassment, for example. The Legal Battlefield

8. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 A summons is an order to appear in court. The Legal Battlefield

9. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 A settlement is a mutual agreement that does not state that either party was wrong. A settlement often takes the form of a cash reward or a correction of the situation that caused the complaint. The Legal Battlefield

10. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 Many states require workers to file a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or a similar agency. Sometimes, an agency can settle a dispute. The Legal Battlefield

11. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 Mediation is a process in which you and your opponent present the case to a neutral third person, a mediator. The mediator helps you reach a compromise. The Legal Battlefield

12. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 ETHICS in Action Changing Minds Your neighbor went on vacation for a month and asked that you mow the lawn each week while he was away. You both agreed on a price for your labor. When your neighbor returned, he told you he was going to give you only half as much because he thought that the original price was too high. continued

13. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 ETHICS in Action Changing Minds THINK ABOUT IT How do you respond to your neighbor? Will you get a third party involved?

14. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 Criminal law is the type of law that covers crimes. Under criminal law, the government brings an indictment, or list of criminal charges, against a person or organization. The Legal Battlefield

15. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 A felony is a serious crime, such as murder or rape. A misdemeanor is a less serious crime, such as shoplifting. The Legal Battlefield

16. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 Lawyers either charge an hourly rate or set a flat fee based on how much work they expect to do for you. Lawyers’ Fees

17. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 A contingency fee is a lawyer’s fee based on a percentage of the amount of money that a client wins in a court case. Make sure you understand the fee system and projected costs before you agree to anything. Lawyers’ Fees

18. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 Low-cost legal assistance in civil cases is available from the Legal Aid Society. If you are charged in a criminal case, the office of the public defender provides free legal representation. Lawyers’ Fees

19. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 Do not expect lawyers to do all the work. You must be prepared for meetings with documents, records, and names of witnesses. Lawyers’ Fees

20. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 Key Concept Checkpoint Comprehension 1.Describe a workplace situation that could lead to a civil case and one that could lead to a criminal case. continued SECTION 12.2 REVIEW

21. Chapter 12 Workplace Legal MattersSucceeding in the World of Work You and the Legal System 12.2 SECTION OPENER / CLOSER INSERT BOOK COVER ART End of Section 12.2 You and the Legal System