Today’s Objective Identify and explain the four sources of law –Constitutions –Statutes –Case Law –Administrative Law Identify the three branches of government

Make a list of rules the school enforces. Make a list of rules you must live by at home How do these affect your life. Which would you change, why?

What is law?

What are the Sources of Law? Laws - are enforceable rules of conduct in a society, reflect the culture and circumstances that create them

Equity Fairness How is equity administered in the US? Through the court system The US Legal system is based on English Common Law Sue for damages - financially, mentally or physically Government can bring charges

Laws are created at three levels of government Federal State Local

The laws at each level consist mainly of Constitutions Statues Case Law Administrative Law Four sources of law

Constitutions A Constitution is a document that sets forth the framework of a government and its relationship to the people it governs. We are governed by by both the Constitution of the US and the constitution of our state. The Supreme Court - final interpreter Lists basic rights upon which the government could not infringe - (violate, go against)

Constitutions Bill of Rights - First 10 Amendments Highest source of law Federal Constitution is the supreme “law of the land” Any federal, state, or local law that conflicts with the federal constitution is not valid

Constitutions allocate powers: 1.Between the people and their governments 2.Between state governments and the federal government 3.Among the branches of the government

Constitution Main instrument for allocating powers between people and their governments Does this through the Bill of Rights Bill of Rights protects people from actions of their governments

Constitution Allocates powers between the federal and state governments Three Branches: –Executive –Legislative –Judicial So that no one branch becomes too powerful

3 Branches 3 Branches of Government

Statutes Laws enacted by state or federal legislatures (create or change laws)--elected representatives of people - acting for their citizens Tell us what conduct is prohibited so that we can conform our conduct to the law All states delegate some legislative authority to local governments Towns, cities and counties can legislate on matters over which the state has given them authority

Examples of Laws Federal law prohibits selling of cigarettes to minors Local law prohibits you from parking longer than 2 hours in one spot down town

Ordinances - local level States delegate some legislative authority to local government Legislation created by town or city council or by a county board of commission are referred to as ordinances

Administrative Law Administrative Agencies - government bodies formed to carry out particular laws Federal, State, Local legislatures all create administrative agencies

Examples of Administrative Agencies Social Security Administration Motor Vehicles Zoning Commission Food and Drug Administration President, Governor, Mayor - supervise the agency’s activities

More Examples Federal –FAA - Federal Aviation Administration –FHWA - Federal Highway Administration –FRA - Federal Railroad Administration –FBI –CIA State –DOT - Department of Transportation –PWD - Parks and Wildlife Department –DI - Department of Insurance Local –Police Department –Fire Department –Waste and Water Department