Jurisprudence

The study of law and legal philosophy

What is L.A.W.

L-Legitimate Must be enforceable Must have fair and consistant consequences Must be clear Must be accepted by the majority

A-Administrative Created by a centralized government

Federal / State / County / City or Town

W-Written

Goals of the Legal System

Laws and Values

To protect basic human rights

“Gitmo detainee lawyers raise torture allegations”

To promote fairness

To resolve conflict

Divorce

Property Disputes

Winner take all

To promote order and stability

To promote desirable social behavior

Regulate social interactions

Determine what is and what is not a crime

To promote desirable economic behavior Enron

Martha Stewart

“After Bailout, AIG Executives Head to Resort” –Washington Post

To represent the will of the majority

To protect the rights of the minority