ORIGINS of LAW The Code of HammurabiThe Code of Hammurabi The Ten CommandmentsThe Ten Commandments Roman LawRoman Law The Magna CartaThe Magna Carta English Common LawEnglish Common Law

The Code of Hammurabi 1750 B.C. 1 st Written Laws in the World1 st Written Laws in the World King Hammurabi was the ruler of the ancient city of Babylon. The Code was openly displayed for all to see; thus, no man could plead ignorance of the law as an excuse.

Roman Law B.C. Created a Comprehensive Legal SystemCreated a Comprehensive Legal System Heavily influenced many legal systems throughout Europe. Influential notions of rules and rights of citizenship.

The Ten Commandments 1300 B.C. A list of religious and moral rulesA list of religious and moral rules Written by God, shown to Moses at Mount SinaiWritten by God, shown to Moses at Mount Sinai One basis for American Law & MoralityOne basis for American Law & Morality

English Common Law 1154 A.D. Unwritten, Judge-made lawUnwritten, Judge-made law Judges applied rulings from earlier casesJudges applied rulings from earlier cases Established Precedent, which acts as a guide for judges to follow in future casesEstablished Precedent, which acts as a guide for judges to follow in future cases

The Magna Carta 1215 A.D. Established idea of Limited GovernmentEstablished idea of Limited Government –Even the King (John) had to follow the law –Also introduced the idea of Trial by Jury

Foundational Documents for the American Colonies The Magna CartaThe Magna Carta Virginia House of BurgessesVirginia House of Burgesses The Mayflower CompactThe Mayflower Compact Fundamental orders of ConnecticutFundamental orders of Connecticut English Bill of RightsEnglish Bill of Rights

Virginia House of Burgesses 1619 A.D. 1 st Representative assembly in America1 st Representative assembly in America 1 st Colonial government1 st Colonial government B eginning of representativeB eginning of representative government in America

The Mayflower Compact 1620 A.D. First agreement for self- government; bound the freemen to obey “Just and equal laws”First agreement for self- government; bound the freemen to obey “Just and equal laws” In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign Lord, King James by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, etc., Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid: and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony: unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.

Fundamental Orders of Connecticut 1639 A.D. The 1st written constitution in America that created a pattern of enumerated (numbered) plans in written formThe 1st written constitution in America that created a pattern of enumerated (numbered) plans in written form To colonists, this felt more like a guarantee that their rights were secureTo colonists, this felt more like a guarantee that their rights were secure Government is based in the rights of an individual, and states how those rights are ensured by the governmentGovernment is based in the rights of an individual, and states how those rights are ensured by the government For example: It provides that all free men share in electing their *magistrates, and uses secret, paper ballots.It provides that all free men share in electing their *magistrates, and uses secret, paper ballots. It states the powers of the government, and some limits within which that power is exercised.It states the powers of the government, and some limits within which that power is exercised. **A magistrate is a judicial officer- usually has limited power to administer and enforce the law

English Bill of Rights 1689 A.D. Limits the power of the rulerLimits the power of the ruler Lists certain rights of all citizensLists certain rights of all citizens Expanded the Magna Carta furtherExpanded the Magna Carta further Created and passed byCreated and passed by the Parliament of England the Parliament of England EXAMPLES: EXAMPLES: freedom from taxation by royal prerogative, without agreement by Parliamentfreedom from taxation by royal prerogative, without agreement by Parliament freedom to have arms for defense, as allowed by lawfreedom to have arms for defense, as allowed by law freedom from cruel and unusual punishments, and excessive bailfreedom from cruel and unusual punishments, and excessive bail freedom from royal interference with the law (the Sovereign was forbidden to establish his own courts or to act as a judge himself)freedom from royal interference with the law (the Sovereign was forbidden to establish his own courts or to act as a judge himself) freedom to elect members of Parliament without interference from the Sovereignfreedom to elect members of Parliament without interference from the Sovereign English Parliament

English Bill of Rights (1689 A.D.) Continued… What is the Parliament of England? Eventually became the Parliament of England (The Parliament is the legislative body of England- a representative group that makes laws for the country) England had always been run by a King, or ultimate ruler = monarch The King’s family and close friends often helped the King make decisions In time, the King’s family, friends, and other powerful men became a sort of “royal council” – a group to help guide the King. Slowly, advisory councils played a larger role because enough people had to agree with what the monarch is doing in order for their laws to be obeyed and enforced (the barons were upset with King John and rebelled!)

TIMELINE Origins of Law Code of Hammurabi 1300’s B.C. Ten Commandments 1750 B.C. English Common Law 100 B.C A.D. Roman Law The Magna Carta 1215 A.D B.C. 200 A.D.

TIMELINE Foundational Documents 1619 A.D. Virginia House of Burgesses 1620 A.D. Mayflower Compact Fundamental Orders of Connecticut 1639 A.D A.D. English Bill of Rights 1215 A.D. The Magna Carta