THE THREE LEVELS OF LEGAL SYSTEMS

• Federal
• State
• Local
• Federal rules overall, state over local law

TYPES OF LAWS

• Constitutions- define fundamental laws of our country and each state
• Statutes- laws enacted by our elected reps at federal and state laws
• Case law- law stated by judges in court opinions
• Administrative regulations- laws created by administative agencies
• Four types: constitutional, statutory, administative, and case

Constitutional Law
We are governed by the Constitution of the US and the Constitution of the state in which you live in. The Supreme Court is the final interpreter of all the constitutions. When constitutions are made or changed, constitutional law is made.

BILL OF RIGHTS

• 1-2: Freedom of religion, speech, press, peaceable assembly
• 3: Security in person and property against unreasonable searches
• 4: Right to remain silent if accused of a crime and to enjoy a speedy and public trial
• 5: Protection from a cruel punishment
• 6: Right to fair compensation for private property taken by the government

BILL OF RIGHTS CONTINUED

• 7: Protection from the taking of life, liberty, or property without due process of law

Commerce
Constitution gives the federal government the power to regulate foreign and interstate commerce.
Interstate Commerce: between two or more states
Intrastate Commerce: occurs within one state, is left to the states

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