SOURCES OF LAW Code of Hammurabi – 1760 B.C. Babylonian King; based on an eye for an eye. First known system of written laws. Roman Law – 450 B.C. – evolved into the Justinian Code – these laws became basis for Canon Law (Roman Catholic Church). Eventually updated by Napoleon (Napoleonic Code). English Law – based on common law. Precedents used to establish consistency in court rulings.

LAW The Need for Law Social Norms – shared expectations of behavior placed on persons by a social group. Laws – rules & regulations that define the rights & obligations of citizens of a state or nation. Societies need laws for protection & order. Components of Good Laws – Fair & equal treatment Reasonable – punishment fits the crime Understandable – not too complicated. Enforceable – government can enforce, people will obey. Types of Law Constitutional Law – involves rights guaranteed by the Constitution, or spelled out by Congressional Legislation. Administrative Law – rules & regulations that government agencies of the executive branch must issue to carry out duties. Statutory Law – laws that regulate behavior. International Law – involves military & diplomatic treaties, trade regulations, and international agreements.

CRIMINAL LAW - TYPES OF CRIME Criminal Law Criminal Law – laws that seek to prevent people from deliberately or recklessly harming each other or other’s property. Felony – serious crime, punishable by possible prison sentence. Misdemeanor – less serious crime, usually punishable by a small fine. Civil Law Civil Law – involves disputes between people or groups of people. Lawsuit – legal action in which a person sues to collect damages for harm. Tort - A civil wrong which can be redressed by awarding damages Types of Crime Predatory Crime – victimizing a person or their property. Illegal Service Crime – involves a relationship between a buyer and a seller, and an illegal product or service. Public Disorder Crime – crime that is legal in private, but not in public. Crimes of Negligence – careless, thoughtless behavior. White Collar Crime – crime that is committed usually on the job, and by a respectable member of the community.

THE AMERICAN LEGAL SYSTEM Law & Precedents –Courts use previous court rulings and law as basis for rulings. Protections of Legal Rights Writ of Habeas Corpus – person must be brought to court and explain why suspect is being held. Bills of Attainder – may not pass laws that deny a person of the right to trial by jury. Ex Post Facto Laws – cannot be punished for an act that is not against the law at time of action. 4 th Amendment – Search & Seizure 5 th Amendment – Rights of the Accused 6 th Amendment – Rights to a Jury Trial 8 th Amendment – Cruel & Unusual Punishment 14 th Amendment – Equal Protection of the Law