Title: Differentiate among criminal, civil, and case law.
Course: Public Safety II (15101-II) > Section: CRIMINAL JUSTICE: Understanding the Rule of 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 his/her authority?
- How does one differentiate between real and personal property?