Moral and Legal Reasoning

Moral Reasoning

A process of determining what is ethically correct or wrong.

Legal Reasoning

An approach focused on following laws to determine what is legal or illegal.

Formalism

An approach to legal reasoning that emphasizes strict application of rules without considering consequences.

Consequentialism

The belief that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its results or consequences.

Deductive Argument Structure

A logical structure where the conclusion is drawn from premises.

Major Premise

A general statement or rule used in deductive reasoning.

Minor Premise

A specific instance or fact used in deductive reasoning.

Conclusion

The logical result that follows from the premises in a deductive argument.

Relationship Between Law and Ethics

Laws guide behavior through government enforcement, while ethics guide personal behavior through moral principles.

Civil Case

A legal dispute between parties aiming to resolve conflicts or award compensation.

Criminal Case

A legal case where the government charges an individual with a crime.

Substantive Law

Law that defines rights, duties, and obligations, such as what actions are crimes.

Procedural Law

Rules that govern the conduct of legal cases, including trial processes and paperwork.