Differentiate among criminal, civil, and case law.

Differentiation should include

• criminal law
  • status offenses
  • common law and statutory law
  • spirit of the law and letter of the law
  • standard of proof
• civil law
  • tort
  • breach of contract
  • standard of proof
• case law
  • precedents
  • decisions affecting statutory law.

Process/Skill Questions:

• What are the differences between common law and statutory law?
• What influence do the use of the terms spirit of the law and letter of the law have on public relations?
• What is a precedent, and how does it affect and/or clarify statutory law?
• What is the difference between beyond a reasonable doubt and preponderance of evidence?
• What category of law gives a criminal justice professional their authority?
• How does one differentiate between real and personal property?