Primary sources of law:

Primary sources of law establish the law and include the following:

1)    US Constitution and the constitutions of various states

2)    Statutory law including laws passed by congress, state legislatures, and/or local governing bodies

3)    Regulations created by administrative agencies, such as the FDA

4)    Case law and common law doctrines.

Secondary sources of law:

Books and articles that summarize and clarify the primary sources of law

Common law system

Common law system is a body of general rules that apply throughout the entire English realm.

civil law system

Civil law spells out the rights and the duties that exist between persons and between persons and their governments as well as the relief available when rights are violated.

Equity:

Is a branch of law founded on what might be described as notions of justice and fair dealing that seeks to supply a remedy when no adequate remedy at law is available.

Federalism:

Refers to the shared power between the federal government and the states.

Stare decisis; precedent:

A Latin phrase “to stand on decided cases”. Under this doctrine judges are obligated to follow the precedents established within their jurisdictions.

Case law:

The doctrines and principles announced in cases-governs all areas not covered by statutory law or administrative law and is part of our common law tradition.

Criminal law

Criminal law is concerned with wrongs committed against the public as a whole.

civil law

Civil law spells out the rights and the duties that exist between persons and between persons and their governments as well as the relief available when rights are violated.