L A W, L E G A L S Y S T E M S  A N D 

T H E  C O U R T S


I. Traditional Concepts on the Sources of Law

    A. God Given

    B. Natural Law

    C. Legal Positivism

    D. Sociological Jurisprudence

II. Functions of Law

    A. Maintain Social Balance

    B. Resolve Private Conflicts

    C. Establish Rights, Privileges and Dutiesœ

    D. Sets Boundaries of Permissible Behavior

    E. Imposes Sanctions on Violators

    F. Expresses Society's Goals

    G. Controls Government Officials

    H. Allocates Resources

    I. States Public Policy

III. Types of Law

    A. Criminal - Typical Procedures in U.S.

    B. Civil - Typical Procedures in U.S.       

    C. Constitutional

    D. Administrative

    E. International

    F. Maritime and Admiralty

    G. Church 

IV. Legal Systems

    A. Civil Law Codes

    B. Common Law

    C. Islamic Law

    D. Oriental Law

V. Judges and Courts

    A. Judicial Independence

    B. Judicial Selection

    C. Court Organization

    D. Court Powers


Key Web Sites

Find the Law

The Federal Judiciary