Reading Assignment for Section 1.1

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 1.1: Criminal Law & Investigations.

What You Will Learn

In this section, you will explore the fundamental concept of crime and its relationship with criminal law. You’ll learn about the four main sources of criminal law and how they shape the legal system. Additionally, you’ll gain an understanding of how crimes are classified and the impact of these classifications on the justice system.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 1.1

• SLO 1: Define the concept of a crime and explain its relation to criminal law.
• SLO 2: Identify and differentiate between the four primary sources of criminal law: common law, statutory law, case law, and administrative law.
• SLO 3: Explain the principles and significance of common law within the U.S. legal system.
• SLO 4: Describe the role of statutory law in organizing and codifying legal rules and how it differs from common law.
• SLO 5: Outline the classification of crimes into felonies and misdemeanors, including their implications for the justice system.