Define: Legal Systems

Common law legal systems, such as those in the United States and England, rely on judicial precedent and case law to make legal decisions. Civil law legal systems, such as those in France and Germany, are based on codified laws and statutes.

The role of a judge is to interpret and apply the law in a fair and impartial manner. They preside over court proceedings, make legal rulings, and deliver judgments.

The purpose of a jury is to determine the facts of a case and reach a verdict based on those facts. Juries are typically composed of a group of citizens who are selected to hear evidence and arguments presented during a trial.

Criminal law deals with offenses against society as a whole, such as murder or theft, and is prosecuted by the government. Civil law, on the other hand, deals with disputes between individuals or organisations and focuses on providing remedies or compensation to the injured party.

Attorneys, also known as lawyers, represent clients in legal matters and provide advice on legal rights and obligations. They advocate for their clients’ interests and may appear in court on their behalf.

The process for filing a lawsuit typically involves drafting and filing a complaint with the appropriate court, serving the complaint on the opposing party, and participating in pre-trial procedures such as discovery. The case then proceeds to trial, where evidence is presented and a judgment is rendered.

The concept of “innocent until proven guilty” is a fundamental principle in many legal systems. It means that a person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until the prosecution can prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Statutes, also known as laws, are enacted by legislative bodies to establish rules and regulations that govern society. They provide a framework for legal rights and obligations and are enforceable by the courts.

Precedent refers to previous court decisions that serve as a guide for future cases with similar legal issues. It helps ensure consistency and predictability in the application of the law.

A trial court is the initial court where legal disputes are heard and evidence is presented. It determines the facts of a case and renders a judgment. An appellate court, on the other hand, reviews decisions made by trial courts to determine if any errors of law were made. It does not reexamine the facts of the case but focuses on legal issues and the application of the law.