Vocabulary Word Chapter 1

The rules of law announced in court decisions. Case law includes the aggregate of reported cases that interpret judicial precedents, statues, regulations, and constitutional provisions.

The branch of law dealing with the definition and enforcement of all private or public rights, as opposed to criminal matters.

Law that is based on the US Constitution and the constitutions of the various states.

A court that decides controversies and administers justice according to the rules, principles, and precedents of equity.

A court in which the only remedies that could be granted were things of value, such as money damages. In the early English king’s courts, courts of law were distinct from courts of equity.

Law that defines and governs actions that constitute crimes. Generally, criminal law has to do with wrongful actions committed against society for which society demands redress.

Money sought as a remedy for a breach of contract of a tortuous act.

General propositions or principles of law that have to do with fairness (equity)

A body of enforceable rules governing relationships among individuals and between individuals and their society

The one who initiates a lawsuit

A court decision that furnishes an example or authority for deciding subsequent cases involving identical or similar facts

The relief given to an innocent party to enforce a right or compensate for the violation of a right.

A remedy available in a court of law.

A common law doctrine under which judges are obligated to follow the precedents established in prior decisions.

A federal or state statute setting the maximum time period during which a certain action can be brought or certain rights enforced.