Classification of Law

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer explains that law can be classified in different ways. The writer notes that such classification is a useful exercise in learning and for obtaining an overview of the subject as it helps one to break up a large topic into manageable proportions. However, the writer points out that it must be remembered that the classification of law is an arbitrary exercise and there is no absolute or "right way" of categorizing law. In this paper, some of the ways in which law can be categorized are discussed.

Outline:
Civil Law and Criminal Law
Classification by Subject
Classification by Scope
Classification by Origins of Law
Procedural Law vs. Substantive Law
References

From the Paper:

"Perhaps the simplest way to classify law is to divide it in two broad categories: civil law and criminal law. In such a classification, one can assume that civil law is all law other than criminal law. Hence in this type of grouping, all laws other than criminal law such as property law, contract law, tort, commercial, and administrative law fall under the broad heading of civil law and are dealt with by the civil courts. As opposed to this, criminal law is dealt with by criminal courts."
"Such categorization of law is useful because it highlights the differences between civil and criminal law, which are important to understand the intricacies of legal systems of countries such as the United States."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Common Law." Encyclopedia Encarta Article. Retrieved on February 12, 2007 from http://uk.encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761553815/Common_Law.html
• "Classification of Law." (2005). Money instructor.com. Retrieved on February 12, 2007 from http://www.moneyinstructor.com/art/lawclassifying.asp
• "Criminal Law." (2004). The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Columbia University Press: New York.
• "International Law." (2004). The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Columbia University Press, New York.
• "Law." (2006). Encyclopedia Encarta Article. Retrieved on February 12, 2007 from http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761576108/Law.html

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