LD 5 CH 2

What is the common purpose of classifying laws as either criminal or civil?

• Controlling wrongful behavior.

• Determining tax rates.

• Regulating international trade.

• Establishing educational standards.

Criminal law deals with violations of the criminal statutes. Such violations are called ______ and are considered public wrongs against all the people of the State of California.

• crimes

• torts

• contracts

• civil disputes

What is the consequence for violating criminal law?

• Prosecution.

• Community service.

• Fines.

• Warning.

What is one aim of criminal law?

• Punishment, which may include death, incarceration, fines, removal from office, or disqualification from holding office.

• Rehabilitation of offenders through therapy and education.

• Promotion of social welfare and community service.

• Encouragement of civil litigation to resolve disputes.

Civil law deals with noncriminal violations of the law or private wrongs committed by one person against another. A civil wrong is called a ______, or in the case of failure to comply with the terms of a contract, a ______.

• tort, breach of contract

• crime, violation

• felony, misdemeanor

• infraction, default

What does 'Letter of the law' mean?

• The law is strictly applied in accordance with the literal meaning of the statute, leaving no room for interpretation.

• The law is interpreted based on the intent of the lawmakers.

• The law is applied based on common practices and traditions.

• The law is enforced only when it is convenient.

What does 'Spirit of the law' mean?

• The law is applied in accordance with the intent of the legislature, the promotion of fairness and justice, and not solely in literal compliance with the words of the statute.

• The law is applied strictly according to the literal words of the statute.

• The law is applied based on historical context only.

• The law is applied based on public opinion.

What is the meaning of redress?

• A) To right a wrong

• B) The intent of the legislative body

• C) Use of force

• D) Rehabilitation

An officer saw two young boys riding their bicycle without a helmet on a public street. If the officer takes the boys home to talk to the parents, rather than cite them, is the officer responding to the spirit or letter of the law? Explain your answer.