1. INTRODUCTION TO THE LEGAL SYSTEM
Chapter 1

2. BASIC DEVELOPMENT OF LEGAL SYSTEMS IN THE WESTERN WORLD
Common Law System
Civil Law System

3. COMMON LAW CONCEPTS Stare decisis Equity Case of first impression
Precedent
Equity
No adequate remedy at law

4. MORE RECENT SOURCES OF LAW
Constitutions – Federal & state
U.S. Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land
Codified law: Statutes & ordinances
Law from legislatures
Federal statute: Congress Statutes United States Code (U.S.C.)
Case law or judicial law
Not just the Common Law
Interpretations of statutes & constitutions
Agencies – Federal and state
Executive orders – President & governors

5. Classifications of Law
Substantive versus Procedural Law
Substantive law sets out right and duties governing people as they act in society
Procedural law establishes the rules under which the substantive rules of law are enforced
Criminal versus Civil Law
Criminal law defines breaches of duty to society at large
Civil law establishes private duties owed by one person to another

6. CRIMINAL V. CIVIL Source of law Remedies Caption of case
Burden of proof

7. CIVIL LAW INCLUDES Contract law (K) Property law – real & personal
Laws affecting persons
Ex.s: family law, corporate law, partnership law, agency
Torts
Wrong or injury
Civil action or remedy
Not a breach of contract action