This document discusses the differences between laws and human rights. It explains that laws generally reflect a society's values but not everything immoral is illegal. Human rights are rights that all people have as humans and are observed globally. The goals of laws are to protect basic rights, promote fairness and order, while also representing majority and minority values. Laws are based on moral, economic, political and social values and change over time as values change. The document also outlines the different types of laws and legal systems.

1. David Ford Avon CT
What is difference between
Laws and Human Rights

2. The Study of law and legal philosophy
Jurisprudence

3. Law generally reflect and promote a society’s values
Our legal system is influenced by what society
considers to be right and wrong
However everything that is immoral is not criminal
Laws and Values

4. Protecting basic human rights
Promoting fairness
Help to resolve conflicts
Promote order and stability
Promoting desirable social and economic behavior
representing the majority
Protecting the rights of the minority
Goals of our Criminal Justice System

5. Laws can be based on moral, economical, political or
social values
As values change, laws change
Many laws may combine moral, economical, political,
and social values
Example: Laws against theft
Laws and Values Continued

6. Rights that all people have because they are human
beings.
Both government as well as private citizens can violate
human rights
Human rights are observed by almost every country in
the world.
UDHR: Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Human Rights

7. With every right there is a responsibility
Tried by a Jury of peers = Serve on Juries
Governed by elected officials = Vote
Have children = Provide for children
Drive vehicles = Obey traffic laws
Freedom of speech = Refrain from hateful and destructive
comments
Police protection = Pay taxes
Etc… (Have students list 5 rights/privileges that they have
along with the responsibilities)
Balancing Rights with Responsibilities

8. Criminal Law :
Regulate public conduct and set out duties owed by society
A criminal case is a legal action that can only be brought on by the
government against a person charged with committing a crime
The person accused of the crime is called the defendant
Criminal laws have penalties and offenders are imprisoned, fined, placed
under supervision or punished in some other way.
Felony: Penalty is a term of more than one year in prison
Misdemeanor: Penalty is a term of less than one year in prison
Kinds of Laws

9. Civil Law: Regulate relations between individuals and
groups of individuals in society
A civil case is brought by the plaintiff
Civil Action: A law suit that can be brought on by an
individual who feels wronged or injured by another
Class action: A law suit brought on by a group of people
who feel to be wronged by a private corporation or
government entity

10. In a criminal case, the burned of proof lie with the prosecutor
The prosecutor must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt
The jury must be 99% convinced that the defendant committed the crime
OJ Sampson was acquitted
In a civil case, the plaintiff wins by convincing the jury by a preponderance
of evidence
The jury must be 51% convinced that the defendant is at fault
OJ Sampson was found at fault in civil case and ordered to pay damages
Burden of Proof

11. The US Constitution is the highest law of the land
It sets forth the basic framework of government
It list the government’s powers and limits on those
powers
It list freedoms that cannot be taken away by
government
Constitutional Framework

12. Limited Government
The national government has limited powers
The national government has authority to pass laws
only in areas specifically listed in Article I of the
constitution
Separation of Powers
Checks and balances

13. The Legislative Branch
Makes and passes Laws
Impeach the president
Vote for Supreme Court Justices
The Judicial Branch
Clarifies Laws based on interpretation of the US Constitution
Judicial review
The Executive Branch
Sign Laws into action
Veto a bill
Nominate Justices
Checks and Balance

14. Federalism
The division of power between the States and the
Federal government
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the US Constitution
Federal v. State Rights

15. The End