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Published bySusan Gallagher Modified over 9 years ago
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Chapter 15 & 16 The American Legal System
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Which of the following amendments protect the accused’s rights? 1. 3, 4, 5, 6 2. 4, 5, 6, 7 3. 4, 5, 6, 8 4. 4, 5, 7, 8
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Purpose of Laws To keep society in order To provide penalties for disorder To settle disagreements To provide deterrence to disorder
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History of Law Code of Hammurabi King Hammurabi of Babylonia 282 laws regulating behavior Oldest law code found to date that was written – 1760 BC Very harsh with rules & punishments Religious Code Ten Commandments, Islamic Law Draconian Laws – Ancient Greek law that had extreme punishments for small crimes Justinian Code Simplified Roman Code law – based on jurisprudence (theory of law) English Common Law Primary source of our laws Based on precedent Statutes – acts of parliament
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Types of Laws Criminal Violations of law Jail sentences are the result Misdemeanor – minor violations Felonies – serious violations – involve larger courts Felonies Civil Involve disputes A fine or amount is paid as the result
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Types of Laws Public or Constitutional Involves Constitutional questions Supreme Court Administrative Law Involves laws passed by government agencies Tax law Example – Federal Trade Commission has regulations to protect consumers from harmful products Statutory Law Laws passed by legislatures
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Constitutional Rights Mapp v Ohio Miranda v Arizona Gideon v Wainwright Roe v Wade
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Vocabulary – Chapter 16 Plaintiff – person bringing the suit to court in a civil case Defendant – person being sued in both civil & criminal cases Suit of Equity – special case when there are no existing laws or cases Injunction – a court order commanding a stop to an action Summons – document telling someone they are being sued & requiring them to appear in court
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Vocabulary – Chapter 16 Summons – document telling someone they are being sued & requiring them to appear in court Pleadings – a defendant’s response Verdict – decision of the judge or jury Prosecution – side charging a person with a crime State Penal Code – laws set forth by a state Remedy – fine paid by defendant if found guilty in civil case
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Which amendment deals with civil law procedures? 1. Amendment 3 2. Amendment 6 3. Amendment 7 4. Amendment 9
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Civil Cases One person files a lawsuit against another Plaintiff & Defendant Suits of Equity Judges decide not juries (usually) Judge may issue an injunction Most are settled out of court Magistrate Judge less than $5,000, District Court less than $10,000, Superior Court more than $10,000
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Civil Case Procedures Bringing the Suit Plaintiff files Summons Sent to Defendant Defendant’s Response Pleadings – responding to the complaint by admitting fault or denying charges Discovery – each side gathers facts & evidence Pretrial Discussions – decide if case should go to court or be settled Trial – both sides present their case Verdict – if plaintiff wins the judge sets a remedy Appeal – both sides have the right to appeal a decision
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Which amendment guarantees equal protection of the laws? 1. 12 th amendment 2. 14 th amendment 3. 15 th amendment 4. 16 th amendment
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Criminal Cases Prosecution & Defendant Burden of Proof Prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt Not a single doubt can exist Innocent until proven guilty
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Criminal Case Procedures Suspect is arrested – Miranda rights Preliminary Hearing – judge reads charges & sets bail Indictment – grand jury decides on evidence Arraignment – defendant enters a plea & trial date is set A plea bargain can be made at this time defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser crime Used to convict someone else Discovery – both sides gather evidence Jury is selected Trial
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Which step in the criminal trial ensures protection of the 6 th amendment 1. Preliminary Hearing 2. Indictment 3. Arraignment 4. Discovery
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Trial Prosecution makes an opening statement Defense makes an opening statement Prosecution calls witnesses for testimony – Defense can cross-examine Prosecution rests Defense calls witnesses for testimony – Prosecution can cross-examine Defense rests Both sides make closing statements
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Trial cont. Jury Decision – Verdict Jury first deliberates Must decide guilt beyond a reasonable doubt Acquittal – jury decides not guilty & defendant is released – can’t be retried for the same crime Guilty – date is set for sentencing Hung Jury – jury can’t decide – this is a mistrial and can be retried Appeal
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Which amendment protects the accused from double jeopardy? 1. 4 th amendment 2. 5 th amendment 3. 6 th amendment 4. 8 th amendment
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Penalties for breaking the law 4 functions Punishment Protect society Make examples (deterrence) Rehabilitation Indeterminate Sentence – judge sets a minimum & maximum sentence Determinate Sentence – judge sets a specific sentence Mandatory Sentence – judge sets a sentence in accordance with state law
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Which region of the country had the highest property crime rates in 2004? 1. West 2. Midwest 3. Northeast 4. South
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Which section of the country had the highest violent crime rates in 2004? 1. West 2. Midwest 3. Northeast 4. South
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All of the following are laws Congress can’t pass except: 1. Bills of Attainder 2. Injunction laws 3. Suspending habeas corpus 4. Ex post facto laws
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