Summary of Law Notes Latest 2026/2027
Sources of Law
Codes
Grouping of related statutes
Used when pulled over by police or cited for a specific code
Common Law
Rules of law brought over by founding fathers
Older rules of law
Modern Law
Rules of law that have been modernized with societal changes
Stare Decisis
Lower courts must adhere to the higher court's rule of law
If one court made a decision, other courts have the same conclusion
Case Precedents
Cases that are deemed landmark cases
Civil Proceedings
Complaint
A 2-page document that identifies the parties involved in a civil lawsuit
Includes the claims being made
Signed by the lawyer and the plaintiff
Stamped by the court clerk
Service of Process
Deemed valid when the party has been served
, Can be served via email or in person
A family member can accept service if the person is of sound mind
Due Process Clause
Civil defendant has the privilege to receive notice and the opportunity to be
heard
Standing to Sue
In order to bring forth a lawsuit, one must have a valid stake in the claim
The right to bring forth the lawsuit (personally impacted)
Jurisdiction
In order to file Federal Jurisdiction:
1. Federal question situation (Constitutional law violations)
2. Personal Jurisdiction (diversity of citizenship)
- Both parties must be diverse
- Amount in controversy must be $75,000 or more
Venue
Determines the actual location of the case
Factors to consider:
- Where did the injury occur?
- Was there a police report?
- Where is the majority of evidence found?
- Where did the breach occur?
- Did the parties have a mutual contract?
Equitable and Legal Remedies
Equitable remedies:
- Specific performance (for unique items)
Sources of Law
Codes
Grouping of related statutes
Used when pulled over by police or cited for a specific code
Common Law
Rules of law brought over by founding fathers
Older rules of law
Modern Law
Rules of law that have been modernized with societal changes
Stare Decisis
Lower courts must adhere to the higher court's rule of law
If one court made a decision, other courts have the same conclusion
Case Precedents
Cases that are deemed landmark cases
Civil Proceedings
Complaint
A 2-page document that identifies the parties involved in a civil lawsuit
Includes the claims being made
Signed by the lawyer and the plaintiff
Stamped by the court clerk
Service of Process
Deemed valid when the party has been served
, Can be served via email or in person
A family member can accept service if the person is of sound mind
Due Process Clause
Civil defendant has the privilege to receive notice and the opportunity to be
heard
Standing to Sue
In order to bring forth a lawsuit, one must have a valid stake in the claim
The right to bring forth the lawsuit (personally impacted)
Jurisdiction
In order to file Federal Jurisdiction:
1. Federal question situation (Constitutional law violations)
2. Personal Jurisdiction (diversity of citizenship)
- Both parties must be diverse
- Amount in controversy must be $75,000 or more
Venue
Determines the actual location of the case
Factors to consider:
- Where did the injury occur?
- Was there a police report?
- Where is the majority of evidence found?
- Where did the breach occur?
- Did the parties have a mutual contract?
Equitable and Legal Remedies
Equitable remedies:
- Specific performance (for unique items)
