1. WHAT IS LAW? TM

2. Jurisprudence .
The study of law and legal philosophy TM

3. Laws and Values Law generally reflect and promote a society’s values
Our legal system is influenced by what society considers to be right and wrong
***However everything that is immoral is not criminal

4. Goals of our Criminal Justice System
Protecting basic human rights
Promoting fairness
Help to resolve conflicts
Promote order and stability
Promoting desirable social and economic behavior representing the majority
Protecting the rights of the minority

5. Balancing Rights with Responsibilities
With every right there is a responsibility
Tried by a Jury of peers = Serve on Juries
Governed by elected officials = Vote
Have children = Provide for children
Drive vehicles = Obey traffic laws
Freedom of speech = Refrain from hateful and destructive comments
Police protection = Pay taxes

6. Kinds of Laws Criminal Law :
Regulate public conduct and set out duties owed by society
A criminal case is a legal action that can only be brought on by the government against a person charged with committing a crime [Prosecutor = attorney for the government]
The person accused of the crime is called the defendant
Criminal laws have penalties and offenders are imprisoned, fined, placed under supervision or punished in some other way.
Felony: Penalty is a term of more than one year in prison
Misdemeanor: Penalty is a term of a year or less in prison

7. Civil LAW
Civil Law: Regulate relations between individuals and groups of individuals in society
A civil case is brought by the plaintiff (the person that has suffered an injury)
Civil Action: A law suit that can be brought on by an individual who feels wronged or injured by another
Class action: A law suit brought on by a group of people who feel to be wronged by a private corporation or government entity

8. Lawsuits Why does a person bring forth a lawsuit?
They have suffered a wrong
They would like to establish liability
Obtain a judgment

9. Burden of Proof
In a criminal case, the burden of proof lies with the prosecutor
The prosecutor must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt
The jury must be 99% convinced that the defendant committed the crime
OJ Simpson was acquitted
In a civil case, the plaintiff wins by convincing the jury by a preponderance of evidence
The jury must be 51% convinced that the defendant is at fault
OJ Simpson was found at fault in civil case and ordered to pay damages

10. Trial: Burden of Proof
Difference burden depending on the nature of the case.
CIVIL CASE
CRIMINAL CASE
Preponderance of the Evidence.
51% ?
Beyond a reasonable doubt.
99% ?

11. HOLDING OF Cases Holding: the ruling of the court
Dudley and Stephens: one cannot deliberately take the life of another to save oneself.
Kitty Genovese Case: Bystanders do not have a duty to act when witnessing a crime.