Franklin Felon shot and killed two people during a robbery

Franklin Felon shot and killed two people during a robbery. Why was this act a violation of both criminal and civil law?
Explain the sources of each type of law and provide examples of each: constitutional law, statutory law, common law.

Full Answer Section

       

Common Law:

  • Source: Judge-made law based on precedent (previous court decisions).
  • Examples:
    • The concept of negligence in tort law.
    • The rules of evidence used in court proceedings.
    • The development of legal doctrines over time through judicial interpretations.

Sample Answer

       

Franklin Felon's actions constitute violations of both criminal and civil law.  

  • Criminal Law Violation: Murder and robbery are serious crimes. The state prosecutes criminal cases, seeking punishment for the offender (e.g., imprisonment, fines).  
  • Civil Law Violation: The victims or their families can also file a civil lawsuit against Franklin Felon for wrongful death. In a civil case, the goal is to obtain compensation for damages (e.g., medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering).  

Sources of Law

  1. Constitutional Law:

    • Source: The U.S. Constitution and state constitutions.
    • Examples:
      • The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech.  
      • The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.  
      • The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a fair trial.  
  2. Statutory Law:

    • Source: Laws enacted by legislative bodies (e.g., Congress, state legislatures).  
    • Examples:
      • Federal laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  
      • State laws regarding traffic violations.
      • Local ordinances regulating zoning and building codes