1. The Legal System
And
The Law

2. Statutory Law
Laws passed by the process of running a bill through the House and Senate, then signed into law by the governor or president.
Statutory law is based on the Constitution and precedents are set in appellate courts.

3. Civil Law Deals with disputes between individuals or organizations.
Examples of civil concerns: marriage, divorce, wills, property transfers, negligence, labor laws, and manufacture of products with hidden hazards
Does not include criminal law

4. Civil Law Burden of Proof is lower in civil case
If preponderance of evidence favors the plaintiff, the plaintiff wins (more than 50% probability)
Two sides = claimant and defendant
Compensation is awarded to victim (no jail time)

5. Civil Law
Civil law more concerned with assigning blame (as opposed to establishing intent).

6. Criminal Law
Deals with offenses against an individual that are deemed offensive to society, causing the state to act as the plaintiff by bringing charges against the accused
Burden of proof is on the state/government, “Beyond a reasonable doubt”
Punishment: either incarceration in a jail or fine paid to the government or death penalty (rare cases)

7. Criminal Law Two types of crimes:
Felonies: a major crime, such as murder, rape, armed robbery, serious assaults, dealing illegal drugs, fraud, auto theft, or forgery.
Misdemeanor: a minor crime, such as theft, minor assault and battery or possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs.