UNIT V – Judicial Branch and Legal Systems Origins of Law UNIT V – Judicial Branch and Legal Systems

What is a legal system? In your own words, write down what you think a legal system is. Why is it necessary for us to have legal systems? Definition: a system for enforcing and interpreting laws

Legal Codes MORAL CODE LEGAL CODE A code of conduct What is right/wrong Defined by society Laws for society to follow What is legal/illegal Unlike a moral code, these can be enforced in a court of law

Notable Codes of Law 1760 BC Developed in ancient Babylon CODE OF HAMMURABI 1760 BC Developed in ancient Babylon Very harsh – “eye for an eye”

Code of Hammurabi Questions Describe how the laws were presented to the public. What are your thoughts on this code of law? Do you think it is fair? How would you react to living under these laws?

Notable Codes of Law 1760 BC Approximately 1500 BC CODE OF HAMMURABI TEN COMMANDMENTS 1760 BC Developed in ancient Babylon Very harsh – “eye for an eye” Approximately 1500 BC List of moral and religious principles

Ten Commandment Questions What are your thoughts on this code of law? Which of the commandments do you think is the most important?

Notable Codes of Law DRACONIAN LAW 610 AD Ancient Greek code Very harsh, death was usually the punishment – even for small crimes

Draconian Law Questions Why were the Draconian laws made? Describe how the laws were presented to the public. What are your thoughts on this code of law? Do you think it is fair? How would you react to living under these laws?

Notable Codes of Law JUSTINIAN CODES DRACONIAN LAW 610 AD 530 AD Ancient Greek code Very harsh, death was usually the punishment – even for small crimes 530 AD Ancient Roman law Compiled Roman laws from across the empire Also very harsh

Justinian Code Questions Why was the Justinian Code written and how long did it take? What are your thoughts on this code of law? Do you think it is fair? How would you react to living under these laws?

Notable Codes of Law BRITISH COMMON LAW MAGNA CARTA 1154 Idea that current court cases can be judged based on previous similar decisions Makes the law “common” for everyone 1215 Required the King of England to be bound by laws Protected similar rights in the U.S. today

IROQUOIS NATION’S CONSTITUION Notable Codes of Law IROQUOIS NATION’S CONSTITUION 1500s Native American confederation of tribes Created a “Great Peacemaker” (like a President) Influenced the authors of the U.S. Constitution

Iroquois Constitution Questions Why was the Iroquois Constitution written? What similarities do you see between this constitution and the U.S. Constitution? What are your thoughts about the rules of the Confederate Council?

IROQUOIS NATION’S CONSTITUION Notable Codes of Law IROQUOIS NATION’S CONSTITUION ENGLISH BILL OF RIGHTS 1689 Protected rights of English citizens Heavily influenced the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution 1500s Native American confederation of tribes Created a “Great Peacemaker” (like a President) Influenced the authors of the U.S. Constitution

English Bill of Rights Questions Why did Parliament pass the English Bill of Rights? What rights listed are also given to U.S. citizens today?