1. Law Unit 1
What is law?

2. Key Terms Jurisprudence: The science or philosophy of law
Criminal Laws
regulate public conduct, set out duties owed to society
Penalties for crimes
Civil Laws
Regulate relations between individuals or groups
Awards for the party that was wronged
Common Law
Based on custom and judicial precedent (18th c Britain)

3. Case Study The Shipwrecked sailors
We will try this case as a class in the format of an Appellate court
An appellate court is empowered to hear an appeal of a trial court or lower tribunal
A panel of justices
Oral arguments

4. Court of Appeals
Appellate courts concern themselves with the interpretation of the law
Decides if the lower court made the correct legal determinations
Does not hear direct evidence or attempt to determine what the facts of the case were

5. Roles • Group 1: Prosecutors – Develop Arguments for Guilt
• Group 2: Defense Attorneys
– Develop Arguments for Innocence
• Group 3: Justices
– Anticipate Arguments and Develop Questions

6. Considerations