Topic 9 Vocabulary

Front

Code of Hammurabi

Back

A set of laws and penalties for all aspects of Babylonian life, based on the principle of 'an eye for an eye.'

Front

Magna Carta

Back

A document that established the rule of law and limited the power of the king in England.

Front

Accountability

Back

An obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions.

Front

Rule of Law

Back

The principle that those who govern are bound by the laws, meaning that no one is above the law.

Front

Natural Law

Back

A universal set of moral principles believed to come from humans’ basic sense of right and wrong; applicable to any culture or system of justice.

Front

Statutory Law

Back

The body of laws passed by Congress or a state legislature.

Front

Case Law

Back

The body of laws based on the outcome of previous court cases.

Front

Common Law

Back

The body of laws based on customs and previous legal decisions, created by judges.

Front

Statute

Back

A law made by a group of legislators.

Front

Precedent

Back

A decision by a court that serves as an example or guide for future decisions.