Legal System Basics: Crash Course Government and Politics

The video explores the basics of the legal system, focusing on the functions of courts, the federal court system, and the types of law. It explains how courts settle disputes, interpret laws, and create expectations for future actions. The federal court system is characterized by its separation from other government branches, hierarchical structure, judicial review, and lifetime appointments for judges. The video also differentiates between trial and appeals courts and discusses criminal, civil, and public law, highlighting the complexity and adaptability of the US legal system.

Which of the following is NOT a basic function of courts?

• Settling disputes

• Interpreting laws

• Creating laws

• Creating expectations for future actions

What is one characteristic of the federal court system?

• Judges are elected for a term of 10 years

• Judges can have their salaries reduced

• It is hierarchical with the Supreme Court at the top

• It is part of the executive branch

What is the primary difference between statutory and common law?

• Statutory law is more important than common law

• Statutory law is made by judges, common law by legislatures

• Statutory law is only at the federal level, common law is only at the state level

• Statutory law is written, common law is based on past court decisions

What is the role of trial courts?

• To hear evidence and determine facts

• To create new laws

• To decide questions of law

• To hear appeals

Which type of law involves disputes between individuals or between individuals and the government?

• Public law

• Civil law

• International law

• Criminal law

Under what circumstances can a civil or criminal case become public law?

• When the defendant is a public figure

• When the case is broadcast on television

• When the case involves a large sum of money

• When it involves government powers or constitutional rights

What is a common feature of criminal laws?

• They do not involve any penalties

• They are only applicable at the federal level

• They are almost always statutes written by legislatures

• They are based on past court decisions