Law and Ethics
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23 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 law | enforceable rules of conduct set forth by gov't meant to be followed by citizens |
| constitution | fundamental law of a nation, written document establishing the powers of gov't and its structure. HIGHEST AUTHORITY |
| common law | law developed by American and English courts by decisions in cases. Not passed by a legislative body, no specific rules, must be shaped by past decisions written overtime |
| case reporters | books with details of past decisions issued by federal&state courts in which judges provide legal reasoning |
| precedent | A ruling that is used as the basis for a judicial decision in a later, similar case |
| stare decisis | the practice of using earlier judicial rulings as a basis for deciding cases |
| executive orders | under power granted by the Constitution or Congress, an order by the president to establish or enforce a legal requirement |
| public law | denoting laws that affect relationships btwn people and their governments |
| private law | denoting laws that affect relationships btwn people |
| criminal law | defines legal wrongs committed against society. Fines or imprisonment are the typical consequences |
| felony | a serious class or crime such as rape, murder or robbery that may be punishable by death or long terms in prisons |
| misdemeanor | a lesser crime that is neither treason, punishable by a fine |
| reasonable doubt | This refers to the degree of certainty required for a juror to legally find a criminal defendant guilty. |
| civil law | the body of laws established by a state or nation for its own regulation |
| preponderance of the evidence | burden of persuasion to win a verdict requires that the plaintiff prove its claim by having the majority or bulk of the evidence on its side |
| substantive law | defines rights and duties of persons to each other |
| procedural law | defines the manner in which rights and duties may be enforced |
| ethics | rules/standards governing the conduct of members of a profession and how such standards are put into action within an organization |
| integrity | living according to a moral code and standards of ethics |
| morality | generally accepted standards or right and wrong in society |
| corporate social responsibility | belief that businesses have a duty to society that goes beyond obeying the law and maximizing profits |
| functions of the law | behavior, disputes, values, change |
| Congress | a legislative body that has the power to make laws for federal gov't |
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