Sources of Law Writing Assignment:

formatting is: 1” margins all around, double spaced, Times New Roman 12-point font.

There is a 3-page minimum…one page per question.

Question 1:

The terms “precedent” and “stare decisis” are used to describe how a judge’s interpretation of a law can become law itself. Do your own independent research into what “precedent” and “stare decisis” means and using your own words, you define those terms.

Question 2:

“Statutory” law comes from federal and state legislative bodies. Those men and women we elect to represent us make law concerning a variety of things, like family law, contract law, employment law, traffic law, etc. Do your own independent research into how the legislative process works. For example, years ago Nevada did not have a seatbelt law. A member of the Nevada Legislature had an “idea” that a seatbelt law would help save lives. That “idea” eventually became a “law.” What process occurred?

Question 3:

“Common” law can come from judges interpreting other sources of law. Technically, not all judges make common law. There are generally two kinds of judges: 1) single trial judges overseeing trial courtrooms, and, 2) groups of appellate judges overseeing appellate courtrooms. Common law comes primarily from “appellate” judges. Do your own independent research into how federal and state courts systems are typically set up. Then, describe in your own words what an “appellate” court is, how many judges typically sit on an appellate court, what an appellate court’s primary responsibility is, and why it is so important that we have appellate courts in our legal system.