US LEGAL SYSTEM

US Legal System - Origin, Characteristics, and Impact

Abstract

The US legal system identifies considerations and concepts that underlie the societal fabric and are necessary to maintain order and provide justice. Every component of the US legal system functions in a particular manner to ensure the smooth running of the country where everyone has access to justice. The US law is based on the constitution of US and provides constitutional rights to all US citizens. The US law takes its roots from the old English and Egyptian Common Law and makes sure that every individual and organization is given their rights and protection as mandated by the constitution. Both common law and civil law has been combined to form the US law in order to provide unbiased and utmost justice to the public.

Table of Contents

Abstractii

Introduction1

Egyptian Common Sense Approach to Law1

Old English Law2

Discussion2

Code of Hammurabi2

Origins of the Law of US3

Characteristics of the US Legal System4

Functions of the US Law4

Jurisprudence of US Federal and State Courts5

Constitution and Legal Codes of Law of US and its Constitutive States5

Impact of US Law on Individuals and Organizations7

Conclusion7

References8

US Legal System - Origin, Characteristics, and Impact

Introduction

Egyptian Common Sense Approach to Law

The promulgation of ancient Egyptians laws is what led to the prosperity of the Egyptian civilization that spanned over thousand years. The Egyptian law was not common man's invention, but it was the divine law. The submission to which was demonstrated by both the royals and the common people (Blerk, 2006).

The Egyptian law was based on the common sense of right and wrong and followed the concept of Ma'at. With the exception of slaves, everyone was viewed as equals in the eyes of the Egyptian law, despite their wealth or social status. The word of the king was considered as the divine law, as kings were supposed to be god incarnates. People were be judged impartially and to avoid favoritism. Moreover, priests asserted control over the civil courts.

Records of legal decisions were maintained, which went on to become precedents and were used for future references. These laws were extremely rigid. The royal court aided the king in the implementation of his legal decisions. Courts were set up to serve communities and to provide objective arbitration to citizens. Objectivity and justice were the prime goals of the Egyptian law disregarding the political and economic barriers (Blerk, 2006).

Old English Law

The Anglo-Saxon legal or the old English law had legislation in the form of law codes. It is known as the common law because it was drawn up as an educational and political tool for demonstrating standards of good conduct, which went on to take the shape of subsequent legal judgment. Charters were written that carried the word of law of the time. These charters were relied upon in litigation.

The royal council had a central but limited role because the legal system was characterized by a high degree of decentralization. County courts had the responsibility of law administration. In the old English law, a great emphasis was laid upon compromise and ...