civil law 1st

Law

Rules made by the government that people must follow

Ethics

Rules about what is right and wrong behavior

Civil Law

Law about disputes between people or businesses, usually about money or rights

Criminal Law

Law about crimes; the government charges someone for breaking the law

Burden of Proof

The responsibility to prove something in court

US Constitution

The highest law of the country

Statutory Law

Laws made by Congress or state legislatures

Administrative Law

Rules made by government agencies

Case Law (Common Law)

Law based on past court decisions

Treaties

Agreements between the United States and other countries

Negotiation

Solving a dispute by talking and reaching an agreement

Mediation

A neutral person helps both sides reach an agreement

Arbitration

A neutral person listens to both sides and makes a decision

Litigation

Taking a dispute to court

Tort

A civil wrong that causes harm to someone

Intentional Tort

Harm done on purpose

Negligence

Carelessness that causes harm

Strict Liability

Being responsible even without intent or carelessness

Liable

Legally responsible for something

Plaintiff

The person who brings the case (sues)

Defendant

The person being sued or accused

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

Very strong proof required in criminal cases

Preponderance of the Evidence

More likely than not (over 50%), used in civil cases

Assault

Threatening someone or making them fear harm (no physical contact needed)

Battery

Harmful or offensive physical contact with someone