Types of Laws: A Comprehensive Guide

The legal system is complex and ever-evolving, and it can be difficult to keep up with the different types of laws that exist. In this article, we'll explore the various types of laws, from criminal law to environmental law, and explain how they are created and enforced. In general, each judicial entity has government bodies that create common, statutory and regulatory laws. Some legal issues are more frequently addressed at the federal level, while other issues are in the domain of the states.

For example, civil rights, immigration, interstate commerce, and constitutional issues are subject to federal jurisdiction. Issues such as domestic relationships, which include domestic violence, marriage and divorce, businesses, property, contracts, and criminal laws, are generally governed by states, unless there is a federal preference. It's important to note that state laws and terminology will vary from state to state. There are few comparative guides available, so it's better to analyze the laws or court decisions of a specific state or to compare the laws and court decisions of several specific states, rather than trying to generalize about the legal criteria followed by all states.

Types of Laws

Admiralty Law

Also known as maritime law, admiralty law covers topics such as shipping, navigation, waters, insurance, canals and even piracy. Unlike many other legal specialties, admiralty law has a very distinctive niche. It is now under the jurisdiction of the federal district courts. The courts affirm that the ship's flag determines the country of origin of the law, which means that each country can govern its own ships and sailors, regardless of the waters (although the U.

S. UU. Courts may refuse to enforce the law of another country).

Commercial Law

Commercial law deals with any aspect of law that has to do with industry and commerce, from taxes and liability to licenses and trademarks.

This extremely broad section of the law is divided into numerous areas of expertise.

Constitutional Law

Often regarded as one of the broadest and most involved branches of law, constitutional law requires in-depth knowledge of the U. Constitution to understand all its possible interpretations and implementations. This subject of law is designed to preserve relations between state and federal governments (as well as internal relations) and also protect the rights of the individual. Constitutional law is largely based on rulings handed down in the Supreme Court.

Criminal Law

Criminal law revolves around the governmental prosecution of any person who allegedly committed a criminal act, as defined by public law.

An act cannot be classified as a crime if no precedent has been established under government or common law law, and lawsuits between two individuals or organizations are considered civil and not criminal cases.

Environmental Law

Environmental legislation comes mainly from a group of federal laws passed in 1970 that required agencies and companies to consider the effect of their practices on the environment. The laws enacted laws and regulations that would protect the environment from public and private actions.

First Amendment Law

The First Amendment Act focuses on protecting the rights of citizens to freedom of speech, religion, the press and assembly against the law enacted by Congress.

Health Law

Because the state's primary duty is to maintain public health, most health laws and regulations are based on the state. Federal health law focuses on the Department of Health and Human Services, which is ultimately in charge of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Health care legal practice can also cover medical negligence, licensing, patient rights, and bioethical policy.

Master Of Laws (MSL)

Master of Laws (MSL) programs are for non-lawyers whose careers in their organizations will benefit from legal training, even if they are not required to be practicing lawyers.

Because of this, many patent attorneys have university (or even graduate) degrees in science or engineering.

Public Law

To find a specific public (or session) law, you need to know the Congress that passed it or the year it was enacted since indexes are released only at the end of each session of Congress.

Case Law

When your legal research involves case law (or common law), it's important to know something about precedents or stare decisis (the doctrine of adhering to established decisions). To have a clearer idea of how a law was passed or what its underlying legislative intent was or any political ramifications it may have had it is often necessary to consult legislative history materials.