Gov: Chp. 24: Lessons 4-5 In the Courtroom

The principal function of the State Courts is to:

• decide disputes between private parties

• determine guilt or innocence of a person accused

• interpret federal laws to determine constitutionality

• interpret state laws to determine constitutionality

The highest form of law in the country based on either the US or State Constitution and involves interpretations of these 2 documents.

• common law

• statutory law

• constitutional law

• criminal law

This form of law consists of laws enacted by legislative bodies; the US Congress; State Legislature, or the people

• common law

• statutory law

• constitutional law

• administrative law

This form of law is composed of rules, orders, and regulations issued by Federal, State, of Local Executive Officers

• common law

• statutory law

• constitutional law

• administrative law

This form of law is unwritten, generally accepted ideas of right and wrong developed over the years

• common law

• statutory law

• constitutional law

• criminal law

Decisions judges use as a guide to future decisions to determine the outcome of similar cases.

• precedent

• example

• pattern

• standard

This branch of the law supplements common law. Developed in England to provide fairness, justice, and right.

• precedent

• equity

• misdemeanor

• felony

The portion of the law that defines public wrongs and provides for their punishment is known as

• common law

• statutory law

• constitutional law

• criminal law

The lesser of the 2 kinds of crimes involving a small fine and/or short jail term.

• felony

• misdemeanor

• statutory

• civil

The greater of the 2 kinds of crimes involving punishment by a heavy fine and/or a lengthy jail term or even death.

• felony

• misdemeanor

• statutory

• civil