1. Equal justice under the law
The Judicial Branch
Equal justice under the law

2. Laws for the good of all
We enjoy freedom because we have laws to protect our rights
System of law provides us with predictable rules we must live by
Without such a system, we would fall into a state political disorder
anarchy

3. Laws for the good of all Laws usually represent the majority will
When voters voice their opinions on issues, laws can be passed, changed, or repealed
Laws grow and adapt to the country’s needs

4. Laws for the good of all
All U.S. citizens have a duty to know and obey the law
Particularly concerning activities he or she undertakes
Learning and obeying the laws is practicing good citizenship

5. Different kinds of laws
Statutory laws- laws passed by lawmaking bodies
Congress and state/local governments
I.e. State laws that require fire exits in every building; laws that require you to wear a seatbelt and use headlights in bad weather while driving

6. Different kinds of laws
Common Law- A type of law that comes from a judge’s decision
No existing statutory law concerning a specific situation
Generally created using common sense/accepted ways of behavior in response to a specific situation if there was no law in place before
i.e. what happens if an early motorists driving at top speed crashes into a horse- drawn buggy?
Most common law are passed as statutory laws so all citizens may know it

7. Different Kinds of Laws
Administrative laws- laws created by government agencies
These laws affect our daily lives the most
Regulatory laws that determine the quality and safety of consumer products and services
Houses, goods, automobiles, etc. etc.
Food sanitation, health services, etc. etc.

8. Different Kinds of Laws
Constitutional Law- based on the Constitution and the Supreme Court decisions interpreting the constitution
First ten amendments

9. Roles of the Court Courts use laws to settle disputes
Between people
Between people and govt.
Between governments
Laws must be enforced fairly, and any accused person must be given a fair public trial
U.S. law assumes a person is innocent until proven guilty
Trial in court is the way to determine if a person is innocent or guilty

10. The right to a fair trial
Right to have a lawyer- all persons accused of crimes facing a jail sentence are entitled to the services of a lawyer
Courts will appoint and pay the fees of a public attorney if one cannot afford a lawyer
Right to be released on bail- bail is money deposited with the court for your release from jail in exchange for promising you will show up for court
Judge sets the amount of bail appropriate to the crime (remember 8th Amendment?)
Persons accused of serious crimes may be denied bail and kept incarcerated

11. The right to a fair trial
Indictment by a grand jury- must be enough evidence to justify bringing someone to court
This decision is left up to the grand jury
Grand jury examines evidence against the accused, questions witnesses, investigates the facts
If grand jury agrees there is enough evidence against the accused, that person is indicted, or formally accused of a crime

12. The right to a fair trial
Right to a trial by jury- Seventh amendment guarantees an accused person the right to be tried by a trial jury
Jurors are people who live in the community
Serving jury duty is a “duty” of citizenship!
Jury must reach a unanimous verdict (decision)
If the jury cannot reach a verdict (hung jury), a new trial is held

13. The right to a fair trial
Innocent until proven guilty- burden of proof rests on the prosecutors
Must prove “beyond a reasonable doubt” the accused person is guilty
Accused persons cannot be forced to testify against themselves (5th Amendment)
Their lawyers also cross-examine other witnesses testimonies to make sure they are accurate
Accused persons have the right to call their own witnesses to come to their defense

14. The right to a fair trial
Right of appeal- right to ask for a review of the court’s decision
Courts are made up of humans- they sometimes make mistakes
Ensures cases of convicted individuals were tried fairly

15. ?
Why do we enjoy the freedoms we do? What do laws represent and what is our duty concerning them?
List the four main kinds of laws we have in the u.s.
What is the main role of the courts?
Explain how the following protect our right to a fair trial:
Right to have a lawyer
Right to be released on bail
Indictment by a grand jury
Right to a trial by jury
Innocent until proven guilty
Right of appeal