2. Laws for the Good of
• A system of law provides citizens with predictable rules by
which they must live.
• Laws usually represent majority rule
• People believe strongly that something should or should not be
done, a law is passed on this issue
• Every U.S. citizen has the duty to know and obey the laws
• Law-abiding citizens understand that laws are passed for the
good of all
3. Kinds of Law
• The four principal types
• Statutory law
• Common law
• Administrative law
• Constitutional law
4. Statutory Law
• Laws that are passed by lawmaking bodies are
known as statutory laws
• Congress and state and local governments pass
these laws
5. Common Law
• Some of these rules are based on common sense
• Most judges might follow the same precedent, or
earlier decision
• Common law is a type of law that comes from
judges' decisions
7. Constitutional Laws
• Based on the Constitution of the United States
and on Supreme Court decisions interpreting the
Constitution
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8. Right to a Fair Trial
• Right to have a Lawyer
• Right to Be Released on Bail
• Right to a Jury Trial
• A trial jury is also called a petit jury
• Made up of between 6 and 12 persons—known as jurors
• Ordering the people to report for jury duty
• jury must try to reach a decision, or verdict
• Cannot reach a verdict, it is called a hung jury
9. Right to a Fair Trial Cont.
• People are considered Innocent until proven guilty
• Accused persons cannot be forced to testify against
themselves
• Lawyers have the right to cross-examine, or question
• Testimony, or evidence given in court, is accurate
• Convicted individuals may appeal, or ask for a review of the
court's decision
