1. Unit 6: The Federal Court System and Supreme Court Decision-Making
Branches of the Law

2. Branches of the Law: Main Idea: Introduction to Branches of the Law
Notes:
There are two major branches of law in the American legal system:
Civil Law
Criminal Law

3. Branches of the Law: Main Idea: Civil Law (cont’d.) Notes:
Civil Law concerns disputes among two or more individuals or between individuals and the government.
There are 4 important types of Civil Law:
Contracts (disputes involving contracts—a set of voluntary promises)
Property Law (disputes involving personal property and/or real estate)
Family Law (disputes between family members)
Torts (Deals with any wrongful act –besides breaking contracts– that leads to one party suing another)

4. Branches of the Law: Main Idea: Civil Law Notes:
Steps involved in a Civil Case include:
Hire a lawyer
File the complaint
Discovery
Resolution without trial
Trial
Award

5. Branches of the Law: Main Idea: Criminal Law Notes:
Criminal Law involves the government charging someone with a crime.
There are 3 types of Crimes:
Petty Offenses (minor crimes)
Misdemeanors (more serious crimes with a penalty of less than a year in prison)
Felonies (serious crimes with a penalty of more than a year in prison)

6. Branches of the Law: Main Idea: Criminal Law Notes:
Steps involved in a Criminal Case include:
Investigation/Arrest
Initial Appearance
Preliminary or Grand Jury Hearing
Plea Bargaining
Arraignment and Pleas
Trial
Decisions Making
Sentencing