1. Introduction to Law and the Legal System
Chapter 1

2. What is “Law?” Set of rules made and enforced by the government
Why do we need Laws?
Regulate the conduct of society!
Rule of Law – everyone abides

3. Why Have Laws? Mold Society into Acceptable Behavior Protect Society
Resolve Conflict
In order for a law to be effective it must have__________?

4. Why Does Society Punish People for Breaking a Law?
Retribution – “Eye for an Eye”
Rehabilitation – Present Ideal of Society and Prisons
Deterrence – prevention due to the consequences
Incapacitation – so “dangerous” must exclude from rest of society

5. What is “Jurisprudence”
The study of law and how laws are made!
The study of our legal system

6. Laws usually reflect the values of a society
3 Broad Areas of “Values” in our Society
Moral values
Right vs Wrong
Economic values
Protection of private property
Political values
Government and the people
*Shipwrecked Sailors - page 7

7. What do YOU expect from our
legal system?
Protect freedoms
Promote fairness
Resolve conflicts
Help achieve goals
Promote order
Represent majority
Protect minority

8. 2 Types of Laws Criminal Laws that are used to protect public safety
Felonies
Misdemeanors
Civil
Also called “lawsuits”
Involve disputes between 2 parties over property/money
Question: Which type occurs the most often?

9. Can an offense violate criminal and civil law
at the same time?
Travis and Joe get into a fight. Travis is the initiator of the fight. Joe has to be taken to the hospital. What potential problems could Travis face???

10. What is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?
Felony = offense that requires at least 1 year in prison
Misdemeanor = offense that requires 1 year or less
Question: Parking in a handicapped parking place is a ________?

11. Burden of Proof What is it?
Criminal case – “beyond a reasonable doubt” – all jurors/judge must have NO doubt about guilt
Civil case – “preponderance of evidence” – all jurors/judge only must believe that defendant might be in the wrong
Problem 1.7 – page 14 with a buddy

12. Federal – State – Local Laws
Federal – made by Congress and approved by the President. Affects ALL of the citizens in the U.S. example?
State – made by state legislative body (Illinois – General Assembly). Affects citizens in that particular state. Example?
Local – made by city council/mayor. Affects citizens in city limits. Example?

13. Where Do Are Laws Come From?
U.S. Constitution provides the framework of our country
3 Branches in our government
Legislative
Executive
Judicial

14. Division of Powers Powers of the government divided into 3 branches
Checks and Balances
Judicial Review by Supreme Court
Allows the court to check “Constitutionality” of a law.
Marbury v Madison
What are Amendments?

15. Different Types of Laws
Federal Laws
Congress – Federal Law always supersedes !
State Laws
State Legislatures (Illinois General Assembly)
Statutes
Local Laws
City Councils
Ordinances

16. Chapter 2 How Are Laws Made?
Federal, State and Local Laws
Laws are made by 3 different bodies:
Legislative
Agencies
Courts - Judicial Review

17. Let’s Go Through the Process!
BILL