Law Basics

This section includes basic information about our legal system. See any article to learn more!

Image of a court of law

The court systems and alternative resolution methods

There are many different types of courts in the United States, each with its own unique purpose. Here is a brief overview of the different types of courts that may be encountered in the United States: Federal Courts The federal court system is made up of three levels: the district courts (the trial court), the […]

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What does a jury do?

What does a jury do?

The jury system in the United States is a staple of the American criminal justice system. Juries play an important role in our society, by ensuring that those accused of a crime are tried by a group of their peers. The jury system also provides an important check on the power of the government, by […]

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gavel

The difference between criminal and civil law

In the United States, there is a distinction between criminal and civil law. Criminal law deals with conduct that is considered to be a crime, while civil law deals with private disputes between individuals. One of the key differences between criminal and civil law is that, in criminal law, the government prosecutes the case, while […]

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