Introduction to Law

What this unit covers

The resources here deal with the basic questions of law: what a law is, where laws come from, and how they are sorted. The mind map Law & Morality sets out definitions of law and morality and then moves to legal positivism. Legal Theories lists natural law, legal realism, critical legal studies and feminist legal theories side by side.

Where to start

Begin with a map to see the overall shape. Basic Legal Concepts covers the meaning of law, customs and rules. Civil and Criminal Law looks at the sources of law, including the Code of Hammurabi, Roman law and English law. Then read the notes in CAIB 3: Chapter 1 notes, which explain the two types of law: criminal law, a wrong harmful to the state, and civil law.

Vocabulary and classification

Flashcards help with the terms that come up again and again. Law subdivision cards runs through public law, constitutional law, administrative law, tax law, private law and more. How the Law Works covers terms such as common law, case law and concurrent jurisdiction. The deck Commerce: Criminal and Civil law covers courts and the parties in criminal and civil cases, such as the accused, prosecution, plaintiff and defendant.

Using quizzes and maps together

1. Read a mind map and cover the branches, then try to rebuild them from memory.
2. Take the quiz Introduction To Law to see which ideas are shaky.
3. Go back to the map or notes for those gaps.
4. Retry a different quiz, such as Difference Between Criminal and Civil Law.

Where it sits

This unit belongs to the Foundations of Law strand in Law (general and introduction). Some resources mention A-level Law and GCSE Law, while many others come from university courses. Choose what matches your course, then make your own maps and flashcards to fill any gaps.