1. UNIT V – Judicial Branch and Legal Systems
Types of Laws
UNIT V – Judicial Branch and Legal Systems

2. Criminal Law
Punishment for crimes (including jail, execution, parole, and fines).
This is usually enforced by the government.
Includes two levels of crimes – misdemeanors and felonies
Example: murder, arson, theft

3. Civil Law Involve disputes between individuals or parties
Occurs when someone wrongs another and is usually required to pay money to right the wrong
Areas include torts (lawsuits filed against another person), contracts, wills, and family court
Example: Divorce, suing someone, child custody

4. Constitutional Law
Governs the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.
Basis for many decisions in public policy (i.e. Brown v. Board, Roe v. Wade, etc.)
How to interpret (strictly or loosely) is consistently debated
Example: Bill of Rights, powers of Congress

5. Common Law Crucial to understanding how law works.
The U.S. Constitution does not have all laws spelled out, but instead, the courts review previous cases and make decisions based on precedent.
At times, the courts may overrule precedents and change their minds.
Example: Plessy v. Ferguson, Brown v. Board, Heart of Atlanta v. U.S.

6. Administrative Law Area of law that covers government agencies.
Consists of rules made by agencies that people and businesses must follow.
Use rules and courts for enforcement
Example: Food and Drug Administration rules, EPA Pollution rules, etc.

7. International Law Laws between different countries
Can be in the form of treaties, trade agreements, rules of war, and other values and standards
Example: Geneva Convention banning torture