Business Law: Legal Systems

Honesty

telling the truth and not deceiving others

Integrity

doing the right thing even when no one is watching

Compassion

caring about others’ well-being

Respect

valuing others and their rights

Responsibility

being accountable for your actions

Citizenship

obeying laws and contributing to society

Justice

fairness and equal treatment under the law

Law

rules enforced by government

Ethics

moral principles of right and wrong

Local

cities/counties (schools, police, zoning)

State

education, driver’s licenses, state courts

Federal

national defense, currency, immigration

Limitations

all must follow the Constitution and cannot exceed their authority.

Statutory law

written laws passed by legislatures

Purpose

regulate behavior and provide consistency

How a bill becomes law (federal)

Introduced in Congress, Committee review, Passed by House & Senate, Signed by President (or veto overridden)

Affect behavior

traffic laws, contracts

Sources of law

Constitution, statutes, case law, administrative rules

Rights

speech, religion, due process

Responsibilities

obey laws, pay taxes, serve on juries

Government responsibility

protect rights and enforce laws

Trial courts

hear cases first (facts & evidence)

Appellate courts

review decisions

Supreme courts

highest authority

Civil courts

private disputes

Criminal courts

crimes against society

Judges

preside over trials and decide rulings

Lawyers

represent clients and give legal advice

Paralegals

assist lawyers with research and documents

Criminal law

crimes against society (theft, assault)

Civil law

disputes between individuals (contracts, torts)

Business law

rules governing commerce

Trial procedures

pleadings → discovery → trial → verdict → appeal

Embezzlement

stealing money entrusted to you

Larceny

taking property without force

Robbery

taking property using force

Burglary

unlawful entry to commit a crime

Embezzlement

stealing money entrusted to you

Larceny

taking property without force

Robbery

taking property using force

Burglary

unlawful entry to commit a crime

Assault

threat of harm

Battery

physical harm

Forgery

falsifying documents

White-collar crime

nonviolent financial crime

Extortion

obtaining money by threats

Bribery

offering something to influence actions

Conspiracy

planning a crime

Felony

serious crime (prison)

Misdemeanor

less serious (fine or jail)

Crime

offense against society → punished by government

Tort

private wrong → damages paid to victim

Negligence per se

Automatic negligence when a law meant to protect people is violated (Example

Assault

threat of harm

Battery

harmful touching

False imprisonment

unlawful restraint

Mental distress

extreme emotional harm

Invasion of privacy

misuse of personal info

Defamation

harming reputation (libel/slander)

Trespass

entering property unlawfully

Conversion

stealing or misusing property

Negligence

failure to use reasonable care

Strict liability

responsible regardless of intent (dangerous products)

Business crimes

Fraud, Insider trading, Price fixing, Tax evasion, Embezzlement, Bribery, False advertising

Contracts

agreements

Wills

distribute property after death

Leases

rental agreements

Deeds

transfer property

Powers of attorney

grant authority

Court pleadings

lawsuits

When legal advice is needed

Starting a business, Signing major contracts, Being sued, Criminal charges, Employment disputes, Property purchases

Litigation

lawsuit

Arbitration

private judge decision

Mediation

neutral helper

Conciliation

informal dispute help

Plaintiff

person suing

Defendant

person sued

Settling disputes without courts

Negotiation, Mediation, Arbitration, Settlement agreements, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Notarization

A notary public verifies identity and witnesses signatures- Prevents fraud (Required for deeds, affidavits, contracts)

Environmental law

protects air, water, and land

Energy regulation

controls energy production

Conservation

protects natural resources

Purpose

public health, sustainability, prevent pollution