Reading Assignment for Section 1.1

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 1.1: Sources of the Law.

What You Will Learn

In this section, you will explore the foundations of the American legal system and learn how laws are created, interpreted, and enforced. You’ll discover the key differences between federal and state legal systems and understand how their overlapping authority operates within the framework of dual federalism. Additionally, you’ll gain insight into the hierarchy of legal sources and learn how to effectively interpret legal terminology using specialized tools.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 1.1

• SLO 1: Explain the concept of a common-law system and describe how judge-made law contributes to the dynamic nature of American law.
• SLO 2: Distinguish between federal and state legal systems, including their parallel structures and overlapping authority, within the framework of dual federalism.
• SLO 3: Identify and define the primary sources of law, including constitutions, statutes, administrative regulations, and judicial decisions, and explain their hierarchical relationships.
• SLO 4: Describe the role of legal terminology in procedural law and demonstrate the ability to use legal dictionaries and glossaries to interpret specialized terms.
• SLO 5: Analyze the processes by which laws are created, interpreted, and enforced at both the federal and state levels, emphasizing the roles of legislative, executive, and judicial branches.