LAW INTRODUCTION:
DEFINITION OF TERMS IN LAW AND EVERYTHING YOU
NEED TO KNOW
WELL SUMMARIZED STUDY MATERIALS AND NOTES
2025-2026 GRADED A+
Constitution
The document that sets forth the framework of a government and its relationship to the
people it governs.
Common law
based upon the current standards or customs of the people.
Positive law
Law that is dictated from above by a sovereign or other central authority
Business ethics
Ethical principles used in making business decisions
Guidelines
Laws made by administrative agencies
Stare decisis
Doctrine that requires lower courts to adhere to existing case law in making decisions
Ordinances
Legislative actions taken by city or town councils
Statutes
Laws enacted by state or federal legislative bodies
Case law
The type of law made when an appellate court endorses a rule to be used in deciding court
cases
Ethics
A collection of standards of conduct and moral judgment forming the basis for a reasoned,
impartial decision as to what is right and what is wrong
Thomas Jefferson
author of the Declaration of Independence
, Tthe preamble to the U.S. Constitution (quote it)
We, the people, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic
tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the
blessings of liberty to ourselves and our prosperity.....
Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments to the constitution
5th amendment
the right to life, liberty and property
Executive, Judicial, and Legislative
The three branches of the government
Procedural law
Filing proper motions and completing everything required legally in the proper order
Criminal law
an offence against society
Standard of proof in a criminal case
beyond a reasonable doubt
Civil law
an offense against an individual
Standard of proof in a civil case
preponderance of the evidence (more than 50%)
Small claims court
for claims under $2,500
Juvenile court
for those under 18
Probate court
for wills and estates
Appellate court
court of appeals.
Elements of a tort (4 things)
1. duty
2. breach of duty
DEFINITION OF TERMS IN LAW AND EVERYTHING YOU
NEED TO KNOW
WELL SUMMARIZED STUDY MATERIALS AND NOTES
2025-2026 GRADED A+
Constitution
The document that sets forth the framework of a government and its relationship to the
people it governs.
Common law
based upon the current standards or customs of the people.
Positive law
Law that is dictated from above by a sovereign or other central authority
Business ethics
Ethical principles used in making business decisions
Guidelines
Laws made by administrative agencies
Stare decisis
Doctrine that requires lower courts to adhere to existing case law in making decisions
Ordinances
Legislative actions taken by city or town councils
Statutes
Laws enacted by state or federal legislative bodies
Case law
The type of law made when an appellate court endorses a rule to be used in deciding court
cases
Ethics
A collection of standards of conduct and moral judgment forming the basis for a reasoned,
impartial decision as to what is right and what is wrong
Thomas Jefferson
author of the Declaration of Independence
, Tthe preamble to the U.S. Constitution (quote it)
We, the people, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic
tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the
blessings of liberty to ourselves and our prosperity.....
Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments to the constitution
5th amendment
the right to life, liberty and property
Executive, Judicial, and Legislative
The three branches of the government
Procedural law
Filing proper motions and completing everything required legally in the proper order
Criminal law
an offence against society
Standard of proof in a criminal case
beyond a reasonable doubt
Civil law
an offense against an individual
Standard of proof in a civil case
preponderance of the evidence (more than 50%)
Small claims court
for claims under $2,500
Juvenile court
for those under 18
Probate court
for wills and estates
Appellate court
court of appeals.
Elements of a tort (4 things)
1. duty
2. breach of duty
