Sources of Law

Constitutions

Fundamental documents that outline the structure of government and the rights of citizens at both state and federal levels.

Federal Constitution

The supreme law of the land outlining the structure of the U.S. government and basic rights of citizens.

State Constitution

A document outlining the structure of government and rights of people within a state, which cannot conflict with the U.S. Constitution.

Treaties

Agreements between countries that have the force of law in the U.S. when ratified by the Senate.

Statutes

Laws passed by legislatures that can be either federal, applying nationwide, or state, applying only within the respective state.

Ordinances

Laws passed by local governments to address local issues such as zoning, noise, or parking regulations.

Executive Orders

Orders issued by a President or state governor that have the force of law.

Regulations

Detailed rules created by government agencies to implement laws.

Common Law

Law that evolves from court decisions over time, rather than being set forth in statutes.

Precedent

The principle that courts should follow decisions made in previous cases.

Stare Decisis

The legal doctrine that obligates courts to follow precedents set by earlier decisions.

IRAC Method

A structured approach to analyzing legal cases: Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion.

Federal Law Supremacy

The U.S. Constitution's principle that federal law takes precedence over state law.

Resolving Conflicts

The process by which courts interpret the Constitution to determine which law applies in cases of conflict.