Legal Studies Notes

A collection of flashcards summarizing key concepts and terms related to legal studies, focusing on the meaning, purpose, and types of laws.

Law

A system of rules created and enforced by the state to regulate behavior in society.

Purpose of Law

To protect rights, promote justice, resolve disputes, and maintain order.

Customs

Long-established behaviors or traditions that people follow within a society, not enforced by the state.

Rules

Guidelines governing behavior within groups or organizations, which may have consequences but are not enforced by courts.

Justice

Achieving fair outcomes through the legal system, involving fairness, access, and resolution.

Fairness

All people should be treated the same under the law regardless of background.

Impartiality

Legal processes and outcomes should be unbiased and reasonable to ensure objective decision-making.

Procedural Fairness

Ensures legal decisions are made through a fair process, incorporating the right to a fair hearing.

Rule of Law

Means that everyone is subject to the law, applied equally and consistently.

Anarchy

The absence of government or legal authority to enforce laws, leading to disorder.

Tyranny

Occurs when power is concentrated in a ruler who uses authority in an oppressive way.

Statute Law

Law made by parliament, clear and applicable to the whole community.

Common Law

Law made by judges, creating precedents that guide future cases.

Delegated Legislation

Laws made by organizations empowered by parliament to create specific regulations.

Precedent

A legal principle established in a previous case that must be followed in later similar cases.

Adversarial System

A legal system where opposing parties present their cases before a judge or jury.

Inquisitorial System

A legal system where the judge actively investigates the case.

Equity

Body of law that corrects injustices and applies principles of fairness.

Constitutional Law

Defines the structure and powers of government and the division of powers.

Public Law

Governs the relationship between individuals and the state.

Private Law

Governs disputes between individuals or organizations.

Criminal Law

Deals with offenses against society, aiming for punishment.

Administrative Law

Controls decisions and actions of government bodies to ensure lawful and fair operations.

Contract Law

Law concerned with legally binding agreements and remedies for breaches of such agreements.

Tort Law

Law dealing with civil wrongs causing harm, allowing for compensation claims.

Family Law

Concerned with family relationships, including marriage, divorce, and child custody.