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Stuff Every Law Scout Should Know: the Study Guide

Practice facts for the Law merit badge. Not an official Scouting America credential. Grab a snack: this guide is the friendly version, with the answers explained and a groan-worthy joke waiting at the end of most cards.

Knowing Law Scout saves you money, time and the occasional embarrassment.

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Chapter 1: Principles and Documents

What does tort law cover?

Short answer: Civil wrongs between private parties

Tort law covers civil actions from wrongful acts breaching general obligations imposed by law.

Groan of the day: Torts are wrongs that get their day in civil court.

Sources: Law of the United States

What is a slip law?

Short answer: A law prepared for publication after being signed

After signing, a law is assigned a number and prepared for publication as a slip law.

Groan of the day: That law slipped into the books.

Sources: Law of the United States

The cheat sheet

The whole guide on one screen. Screenshot it, print it, stick it on the fridge.

  • The Constitution is the nation's supreme law and sets the foundation of the federal government.
  • The U.S. Code is the official compilation and codification of general and permanent federal statutory law.
  • The text lists constitutional law, statutory law, treaties, administrative regulations, and common law.
  • State or federal courts may rule an unconstitutional statute invalid.
  • Stare decisis means courts respect precedent from earlier decisions.
  • The text says all states except Louisiana largely derive from English common law.
  • Proposed regulations are published in the Federal Register for public comment.
  • The CFR is codified and published once a year on a rolling schedule.
  • Criminal law involves the state prosecuting serious wrongful acts.
  • The text notes crimes can result in incarceration, but torts cannot.
  • The majority of crimes are prosecuted and punished at the state level.
  • Only about three percent of criminal cases are resolved by jury trial.

Pop quiz

Think of your answer first, then peek.

  1. What is the supreme law of the United States?
    • The Constitution
    • The United States Code
    • State statutes
    Show the answer

    The Constitution. The Constitution is the nation's supreme law and sets the foundation of the federal government.

  2. Where are most crimes in the United States prosecuted and punished?
    • At the federal level only
    • At the state level
    • At the county fair
    Show the answer

    At the state level. The majority of crimes are prosecuted and punished at the state level.

  3. What does the domestic relations exception keep federal courts from hearing?
    • Tax cases
    • Patent cases
    • Family cases
    Show the answer

    Family cases. Federal courts decline family cases under the domestic relations exception.

  4. What did Greenman v. Yuba Power Products establish?
    • Strict liability for defective products
    • Free speech rights
    • Voting rules
    Show the answer

    Strict liability for defective products. Greenman imposed strict liability for defective products as a matter of public policy.

  5. What does the Constitution prescribe for the federal government?
    • Its office furniture
    • Its foundation
    • Its flag colors
    Show the answer

    Its foundation. The Constitution prescribes the foundation of the federal government and civil liberties.

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