Types of Law

Private Law: Deals with interactions between individuals as private citizens.
- Such as: Torts & contracts.

Public Law: Issues and interests of community - we the people.
- Such as: Criminal law, Constitutional law.

Civil Law: Provides legal remedy for wrongs committed.

Criminal Law: Provide legal penalty for actions or omissions that seriously violate legal duties

Contracts: A contract is an agreement between two or more parties involving the exchange of assets or services.  When a party violates the contract it is called a 'breach of contract'.

Torts: Breaches of legal duty resulting in injury worthy of compensation
Three major tort categories: Intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability

Intentional Torts: Trespass, defamation (libel/slander), assault and battery, and false imprisonment.

Negligence: Actions causing damage that violate expected or 'due care' a normal person would be expected to follow.

Criminal Liability: Person intended to injure.
Objective Liability: Responsible if a reasonable person would have been aware that the actions would injure.
Strict Liability: No excuse for actions (No damage 'mens rea' or intent 'mens rea' requirement).