Lesson 01 - Introduction to Law and Sources of Law

pt ...

s ...

sub-s …

para …

Czech Republic

částka

část, hlava, oddíl

paragraf

odstavec

písmeno (pododstavec)

věta/bod

chapter

part, title, subpart/chapter

section

subsection

paragraph

subparagraph

5. Below are examples of Dumb Laws. Choose one, make up a title and rewrite the law in a more detailed way. Draft one section consisting of at least two subsections

- one subsection consists of at least three paragraphs written in one sentence

(see TEXT 1 and TEXT 2 about the structure)

- use the expressions “fail to” (or “failure to”), “under/per/according to section(subsection)”

It is illegal to kiss on railways. (France)

No one may tie their pet dog to the roof of a car. (Alaska)

It is illegal to wear your boots to bed. (Oklahoma)

Chewing gum is illegal. (Singapore)

6. Language practice

6.1 What happens to a bill/law? Match the verbs to their explanations:

The legislative body drafts a bill.

debates a bill.

passes/enacts a bill.

amends a law.

repeals a law.

discusses

writes

changes

approves/adopts

cancels

Which nouns can be formed from the verbs in the box by

- ment:

- al:

- ion:

no change:

6.2 The passive structures used in definitions and descriptions can be understood more clearly if you transform them into active ones:

a. Statutes are enacted by the legislative branch.

The legislative branch………………………

b. All the rules of conduct have been approved by the government.

The government ………………………………………………..

c. All the rules must be obeyed by all persons.

All persons ……………………………………………

d. This rule was established by the governing authority.

The governing authority ………………………..

Tricky words from this lesson:

law - countable, uncountable - depending on the context: “právo”, “zákon”

damages (monetary compensation) X damage (harm) – uncountable

civil law – two meanings: civil law X common law, civil X criminal law

be careful about the translation of “právo”: right X law

Reference:

I. Introduction to Law

Exercise 2: listening from http://podgallery.org/legal-lads-quick-dirty-tips/

Exercise 5:

Quotations: http://sixthformlaw.info/01_modules/other_material/law_and_morality/0_what_is_law.htm

Dictionary entry: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/law

Exercise 6:

http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/law?q=law

II. Legal Systems and Sources of Law:

Exercise 2: adapted from http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2013/07/economist-explains-10

Listening 1, 2 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCFxajzP2E0

Pictures from http://all-free-download.com/free-photos/

III. Legislation:

Exercise 3: TEXT 1: CZ, Higher Educational Act 1998, PART V, Studies at a higher education institution http://www.lexadin.nl/wlg/legis/nofr/eur/lxwecze.htm

TEXT 2: GB, Constitutional Reform Act 2005, Part 2 Arrangements to modify the office of Lord Chancellor http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/4/part/2

TEXT 3: USA, Constitution, Article I [The Legislative Branch], Section 7. [Passage of Bills] http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/