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Introduction to Law

and the Legal System

LAW IS "MAN MADE"

IT CHANGES OVER TIME TOACCOMMODATE SOCIETY'S NEEDS

LAW IS MADE BY LEGISLATURE

LAW IS INTERPRETED BY COURTS TO DETERMINE

1)WHETHER IT IS "CONSTITUTIONAL"

2)WHO IS RIGHT OR WRONG

THERE IS A PROCESS WHICH MUST BE FOLLOWED

(CALLED "PROCEDURAL LAW)

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"The study of the law qualifies a man to be useful to himself, to his neighbors, and to the public."

Thomas Jefferson

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Introduction

C H A P T E R  O B J E C T I V E S

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1. Understand each of five jurisprudential approaches to answering the question, “What is law?”

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2. Explain the legal objectives that are common to American public and private law.

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3. Understand how our nation’s legal history and culture have contributed to law and legal institutions as we know them today.

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4. Develop the ability to read and brief an appellate court opinion.

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5. Explain in general terms the concepts underlying the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses.

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6. Understand the basic differences between civil and criminal law.

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7. Understand the basic differences between tort and contract law.

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