(U1 L1) Sources of Law Formative

Which type of law is created by legislative bodies such as Congress or Parliament?

• Common Law

• Statutory Law

• Administrative Law

• Tort Law

Answer explanation

Statutory Law is created by legislative bodies like Congress or Parliament, making it distinct from Common Law, which is based on judicial decisions, and other types of law. Thus, the correct answer is Statutory Law.

What is the main difference between criminal law and civil law?

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

• Criminal law involves government prosecution of offenders, while civil law involves disputes between private parties.

• Civil law always results in imprisonment, while criminal law results in fines.

• Civil law is unwritten, while criminal law is written.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that criminal law involves government prosecution of offenders, while civil law focuses on disputes between private parties, clearly distinguishing their roles in the legal system.

Which source of law is based on previous court decisions and judicial precedents?

• Administrative Law

• Statutory Law

• Common Law

• Constitutional Law

Answer explanation

Common Law is based on previous court decisions and judicial precedents, making it distinct from Administrative, Statutory, and Constitutional Law, which are derived from regulations, statutes, and constitutions respectively.

A government agency creates regulations about workplace safety. Which source of law does this represent?

• Administrative Law

• Tort Law

• Contract Law

• Constitutional Law

Answer explanation

The creation of regulations about workplace safety by a government agency falls under Administrative Law, which governs the activities of governmental agencies and their regulations.

A person is sued for causing injury to another person in a car accident. Which type of law applies?

• Contract Law

• Tort Law

• Administrative Law

• Constitutional Law

Answer explanation

Tort Law applies in this case as it deals with civil wrongs and injuries caused by one party to another, such as in car accidents. Contract Law, Administrative Law, and Constitutional Law do not pertain to personal injury claims.

A city passes an ordinance requiring all dogs to be on leashes in public parks. This is an example of:

• Statutory Law

• Common Law

• Administrative Law

• Contract Law

Answer explanation

The ordinance requiring dogs to be leashed in public parks is a law enacted by a city government, making it an example of Statutory Law, which consists of laws passed by legislative bodies.

A judge interprets the meaning of a vague term in a statute to decide a case. This is an example of:

• Statutory Interpretation

• Contract Law

• Tort Law

• Administrative Law

Answer explanation

A judge interpreting a vague term in a statute is engaging in statutory interpretation, which involves clarifying the meaning of laws to apply them in specific cases.

A person is charged with theft and faces possible imprisonment. Is this a criminal or civil case?

• Criminal Case

• Civil Case

Answer explanation

The case involves a person charged with theft, which is a criminal offense. Criminal cases are initiated by the state and can result in imprisonment, distinguishing them from civil cases that typically involve disputes between individuals.

A company fails to deliver goods as promised in a signed agreement, and the other party sues for damages. Which source of law is most relevant?

• Tort Law

• Contract Law

• Administrative Law

• Constitutional Law

Answer explanation

The situation involves a failure to fulfill a signed agreement, which falls under Contract Law. This area of law governs the obligations and rights arising from contracts, making it the most relevant source in this case.

A law is passed that conflicts with the Constitution. A court must decide which law to follow. What should the court do, and why?

• Follow the new law because it is more recent.

• Follow the Constitution because it is the supreme law of the land.

• Follow both laws to avoid conflict.

• Ignore both laws.

Answer explanation

The court should follow the Constitution because it is the supreme law of the land. Any law that conflicts with the Constitution is invalid, ensuring that the foundational legal principles are upheld.