Unit 8: The Judicial System

What makes a law unconstitutional?

• It is not approved by the President.

• It violates the principles of the Constitution.

• It is not popular among citizens.

• It is not passed by Congress.

Answer explanation

A law is considered unconstitutional if it violates the principles of the Constitution, which serves as the supreme law of the land. Other factors, like presidential approval or popularity, do not determine constitutionality.

What is the difference between criminal and civil law?

• Criminal law deals with disputes between individuals, while civil law deals with crimes against the state.

• Criminal law involves crimes committed, while civil law usually involves disagreements between people or groups.

• Criminal law is only applicable to adults, while civil law applies to everyone.

• Criminal law is decided by a jury, while civil law is decided by a judge.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that criminal law addresses crimes against society, while civil law typically resolves disputes between individuals or groups, making it distinct in purpose and application.

What is the difference between Juvenile and Military law?

• Juvenile law applies to children under 18, while Military law applies to members of the armed forces.

• Juvenile law is more strict than Military law.

• Military law is only applicable during wartime, while Juvenile law is always applicable.

• Juvenile law is decided by a jury, while Military law is decided by a tribunal.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that Juvenile law is specifically for individuals under 18, while Military law governs members of the armed forces, distinguishing the two legal frameworks based on the age and status of the individuals involved.

Why is Judicial Review important?

• It allows the President to veto laws.

• It ensures that laws are in line with the Constitution.

• It allows Congress to pass new laws.

• It helps in the election of judges.

Answer explanation

Judicial Review is important because it ensures that laws are in line with the Constitution, maintaining the rule of law and protecting individual rights against unconstitutional legislation.

What is the difference between civil trials and criminal trials?

• Civil trials involve a jury, while criminal trials do not.

• Criminal trials require proof beyond reasonable doubt and civil trials require proof of wrongdoing.

• Civil trials are always longer than criminal trials.

• Criminal trials are decided by a judge, while civil trials are decided by a jury.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that criminal trials require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, while civil trials only need proof of wrongdoing, reflecting the different standards of evidence in each type of trial.

What role do juries play?

• They create laws.

• They decide the outcome of a trial based on evidence.

• They enforce laws.

• They interpret the Constitution.

Answer explanation

Juries play a crucial role in the legal system by deciding the outcome of a trial based on the evidence presented. They evaluate facts and determine guilt or innocence, rather than creating, enforcing laws, or interpreting the Constitution.

What is the difference between a grand and petit jury?

• A grand jury decides guilt, while a petit jury decides charges.

• A grand jury determines if there is enough evidence for a trial, while a petit jury decides the verdict.

• A petit jury is larger than a grand jury.

• A grand jury is used in civil cases, while a petit jury is used in criminal cases.

Answer explanation

A grand jury reviews evidence to decide if charges should be brought, while a petit jury hears the case during trial and determines the verdict. This distinction is crucial in understanding their respective roles in the legal process.

How does the Supreme Court interpret laws differently over time?

• By changing the Constitution.

• By considering new societal values and precedents.

• By consulting with the President.

• By holding public votes.

Answer explanation

The Supreme Court interprets laws by considering new societal values and precedents, allowing its rulings to evolve with changing norms and contexts, rather than altering the Constitution or relying on external consultations.

How did the Code of Hammurabi, Magna Carta, and English Bill of Rights influence the U.S Constitution?

• They introduced the concept of a monarchy.

• They established the idea of a written legal code and individual rights.

• They promoted the idea of a single ruler.

• They discouraged the separation of powers.

Answer explanation

The Code of Hammurabi, Magna Carta, and English Bill of Rights established the importance of a written legal code and individual rights, which significantly influenced the U.S. Constitution's framework for governance and protection of liberties.

Why is Marbury v Madison an important Supreme Court Case?

• It established the power of the President over the judiciary.

• It established the principle of judicial review.

• It allowed Congress to pass any law without review.

• It was the first case to be heard by the Supreme Court.

Answer explanation

Marbury v. Madison is important because it established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution, thus reinforcing the judiciary's role in government.