Citizens and the Law

What is a statute?

• a ruling that is used as the basis for a judicial decision
• a law written by a legislative branch of government
• a law based on court decisions rather than a legal code
• an organized statement of a body of law

A law established by judicial decisions instead of by legislative action is an example of . . .

• administrative law.
• case law.
• constitutional law.
• precedent.

The source of individual rights in the United States is . . .

• administrative law.
• case law.
• constitutional law.
• precedent.

A writ of habeas corpus requires that a judge should decide whether a prisoner . . .

• is innocent or guilty.
• should be granted his/her rights.
• should be held for a longer time.
• was lawfully imprisoned.

A new law states that anyone who used fireworks at last year's Fourth of July celebration is guilty of a misdemeanor.  This law is an example of . . .

• a bill of attainder.
• an ex post facto law.
• a fair and reasonable law.
• a violation of habeas corpus.

Under the _______________, the government may not put a person in jail without following legal procedures.

• due process clause
• equal protection clause
• Fourth Amendment
• Fifth Amendment

Which Supreme Court case ruled that if a defendant could not afford a lawyer, the state must provide one?

• Chambers v. Florida
• Gideon v. Wainwright
• Mapp v. Ohio
• Miranda v. Arizona

A serious crime, such as murder, is known as . . . 

• a felony.
• a misdemeanor.
• a bill of attainder.
• a legal precedent.

Good laws must . . .

• be based on ancient laws.
• be harsh.
• be reasonable.
• last for generations.

Which type of law is involved if a defendant argues he/she is the victim of an unreasonable search?

• administrative law
• constitutional law
• Roman law
• statutory law