Legal System Basics: Crash Course Government and Politics #18

Summary

In this episode of Crash Course Civics, Craig explores the basics of the U.S. legal system, focusing on the roles and functions of courts. He explains how courts settle disputes, interpret laws, and create expectations for future actions. The video also covers the structure of the federal court system, the difference between trial and appellate courts, and the distinction between statutory and common law. Additionally, it delves into the types of law—criminal, civil, and public—and how they interact within the broader legal framework.

Takeaways

• ⚖️ The law affects everyone, not just those involved in criminal justice.
• 🏛️ Courts have three basic functions: settling disputes, interpreting laws, and creating expectations for future actions.
• 👑 Historically, kings settled disputes, but as states grew, specialized officials took over this role.
• 📜 The U.S. federal court system is separate from other government branches, hierarchical, able to perform judicial review, and judges are appointed for life.
• ⚖️ In the U.S. and England, common law, which is based on past court decisions, plays a significant role alongside statutory law.
• 🏛️ Trial courts determine facts and apply relevant laws, while appeals courts handle questions of law and make decisions that influence common law.
• 🕵️ Criminal law deals with disputes between the government and individuals, while civil law involves disputes between individuals or between individuals and the government.
• 🔍 Most criminal cases happen at the state level, with some federal crimes like tax evasion and racketeering.
• 💼 Civil cases often involve contracts, property, and personal injuries, with outcomes usually involving monetary damages.
• 🇺🇸 The U.S. legal system’s adaptability allows statutes to evolve with society, exemplifying federalism in action.

Q & A

What are the three basic functions of courts according to the script?

The three basic functions of courts are to settle disputes, interpret laws, and create expectations for future actions.

Why is interpreting the law important in the court system?

Interpreting the law is important because it clarifies what the law means and how it applies in specific situations, ensuring that everyone understands the expectations and legal consequences.

How does the script describe the federal court system's separation from other branches of government?

The federal court system is described as being separate from other branches of government to ensure judicial independence, preventing the executive or legislative branches from having undue influence over court decisions.

What is the significance of the hierarchical structure of the federal court system?

The hierarchical structure means that decisions made by lower courts can be appealed to higher courts, allowing for review and possible reversal or affirmation of those decisions.

What is judicial review and why is it an important feature of the federal court system?

Judicial review is the power of federal courts to review laws passed by Congress and state legislatures, as well as executive actions, to ensure they are constitutional. It is important because it acts as a check on the legislative and executive branches.

Why are federal judges appointed for life, and how does this impact their role?

Federal judges are appointed for life to preserve their independence from political pressures, allowing them to make decisions based on the law rather than political considerations.

What is common law, and how does it differ from statutory law in the U.S. legal system?

Common law consists of past court decisions that set precedents for future cases, while statutory law refers to laws written and passed by legislatures. In the U.S., both types of law are used, with common law being particularly influential in shaping legal interpretations.

How do trial courts and appeals courts differ in their functions?

Trial courts determine the facts of a case and apply the law to those facts, while appeals courts review the application of the law in trial courts without re-examining the facts. Appeals courts focus on whether legal procedures were followed correctly.

What are the two main types of law discussed in the script, and what can they sometimes become?

The two main types of law are criminal law and civil law. Under certain circumstances, they can morph into public law, especially when government powers or citizens' constitutional rights are involved.

Why is the adaptability of the American legal system important, according to the script?

The adaptability of the American legal system is important because it allows statutes and laws to evolve and stretch to accommodate the growing and changing needs of American society.