Communications 300 Lesson 1
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Which of the following statements is most correct?
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The law may allow behavior that would not be allowed by personal or professional ethics.
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Personal and professional ethics make lower demands on acceptable behavior than the law.
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The law, as reflected in statutes and court decisions, parallels personal and professional codes of ethics.
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Personal and professional ethics are limited by the demands of the law
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Communications 300 Lesson 1 explores key aspects of U. S. Law, including the role of the Constitution, distinctions between laws and ethics, and the structure of the legal system. This quiz assesses understanding of legal principles crucial for both academic and professional success in legal studies.
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- 2.
In the United States, the country's ultimate legal authority (the supreme law of the land) is:
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The U. S. Supreme Court
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The U. S. Constitution
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The Chief Justice of the United States
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The U. S. Congress
Correct Answer
A. The U. S. ConstitutionExplanation
The U.S. Constitution is the correct answer because it is the supreme law of the land in the United States. It establishes the framework of the federal government and outlines the rights and responsibilities of the citizens. The Constitution is the ultimate legal authority and serves as a basis for all laws and decisions made in the country. The U.S. Supreme Court, Chief Justice, and Congress are all important components of the government, but they derive their authority from the Constitution itself.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Constitutional law is made by
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Legislative bodies, in enacting laws
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Executive agencies, in issuing executive orders
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Courts, in deciding cases by interpreting the federal or a state constitution
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Administrative agencies, when issuing administrative rules
Correct Answer
A. Courts, in deciding cases by interpreting the federal or a state constitutionExplanation
Constitutional law is made by courts when they decide cases by interpreting the federal or a state constitution. This means that courts have the authority to interpret and apply the provisions of the constitution to specific cases, thereby shaping the development and understanding of constitutional law. Legislative bodies enact laws, executive agencies issue executive orders, and administrative agencies issue administrative rules, but it is ultimately the courts that have the power to interpret and make decisions based on constitutional principles.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following statements is true, according to the Hopkins text?
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Statutory law is judge-made or court-made law.
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Statutory law is based primarily in constitutional interpretation.
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A state statute applies only to people in the state wherein it was adopted and must be consistent with both the federal and the state's constitutions.
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A federal statute applies only to specific states, and must be consistent with both the federal Constitution and all state constitutions.
Correct Answer
A. A state statute applies only to people in the state wherein it was adopted and must be consistent with both the federal and the state's constitutions.Explanation
According to the Hopkins text, a state statute applies only to people in the state where it was adopted. Additionally, the state statute must be consistent with both the federal and the state's constitutions.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following is most correct, according to the Hopkins text?
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Voir dire is taken more seriously in civil than in criminal cases.
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Grand juries meet in public to hear the reading of bills of information.
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Criminal law punishes wrongs committed against society.
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The punishment for crimes usually is that the criminal must pay damages to the victim of the wrongdoing.
Correct Answer
A. Criminal law punishes wrongs committed against society. -
- 6.
True or False: State court systems operate independently of the federal system, and of other state systems, under the authority of state constitutions and laws
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
State court systems operate independently of the federal system and of other state systems, under the authority of state constitutions and laws. This means that state courts have their own jurisdiction and decision-making power, separate from the federal court system. They are responsible for interpreting and applying state laws, resolving disputes within the state, and ensuring justice at the state level. This independence allows state courts to address local issues and tailor their decisions to the specific needs and circumstances of their state.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Courts of original jurisdiction are also called
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Appellate courts
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Courts of ultimate appeal
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Supreme courts
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Trial courts
Correct Answer
A. Trial courtsExplanation
Courts of original jurisdiction are referred to as trial courts because they are the initial courts where cases are heard and decided. These courts have the authority to hear evidence, examine witnesses, and make judgments based on the facts and laws presented. They are the first level of the judicial system where legal disputes are resolved and where the parties present their case for the first time. Unlike appellate courts, which review decisions made by lower courts, trial courts are responsible for conducting trials and making initial determinations. Therefore, the term "trial courts" accurately describes courts of original jurisdiction.Rate this question:
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- 8.
With the exception of Virginia and West Virginia, every person who loses in a trial court has the right to
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As many appeals as he or she wants
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At least one appeal
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Appeal to the U. S. Supreme Court
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A new trial
Correct Answer
A. At least one appealExplanation
Every person who loses in a trial court has the right to at least one appeal. This means that regardless of the outcome of the trial, individuals have the opportunity to have their case reviewed by a higher court. While some states may allow for multiple appeals, the minimum guarantee is that everyone is entitled to at least one appeal. This ensures that individuals have the chance to challenge the decision made in the trial court and seek a different outcome.Rate this question:
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- 9.
True or False: There is at least one U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals in each state.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because there is not necessarily a U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in each state. The United States is divided into 13 judicial circuits, and each circuit includes multiple states. Some states may have more than one circuit court, while others may not have any. Therefore, it cannot be concluded that there is at least one U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in each state.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The decisions (precedents) of a U. S. Court of Appeals must be followed by
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All appeals courts in the federal system
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All district courts in the federal system
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All state courts of appeal
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The U. S. Supreme Court
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The federal district courts under the jurisdiction of that U. S. Court of Appeals
Correct Answer
A. The federal district courts under the jurisdiction of that U. S. Court of AppealsExplanation
The decisions (precedents) of a U.S. Court of Appeals must be followed by the federal district courts under the jurisdiction of that U.S. Court of Appeals. This means that the federal district courts that fall within the jurisdiction of a specific U.S. Court of Appeals are bound to follow the decisions made by that Court of Appeals. This ensures consistency and uniformity in the application of law within the federal system.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which of the following statements is false, according to the Hopkins text?
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U. S. Supreme Court justices are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
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All federal judges are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
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There are nine justices on the U. S. Supreme Court.
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All federal judges, including the justices on the U. S. Supreme Court, can be removed by the President.
Correct Answer
A. All federal judges, including the justices on the U. S. Supreme Court, can be removed by the President.Explanation
According to the Hopkins text, all federal judges, including the justices on the U.S. Supreme Court, cannot be removed by the President.Rate this question:
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- 12.
True or False: When the U. S. Supreme Court refuses to accept a case (denies certiorari), it must give an explanation for why it has not accepted the case.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
False. When the U.S. Supreme Court refuses to accept a case (denies certiorari), it is not required to provide an explanation for its decision. The Court has the discretion to choose which cases it wants to hear, and it typically does not provide explanations for denying certiorari. This allows the Court to prioritize certain cases and manage its workload effectively.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which of the following statements is false, according to the Hopkins text?
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Four Supreme Court Justices must vote to hear a case.
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Justices often write concurring or dissenting opinions to explain their votes on a case.
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A plurality opinion is supported by more justices than any other opinion in a case, but is not supported by the majority of justices.
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A per curium opinion is issued and signed by one judge, writing for the court.
Correct Answer
A. A per curium opinion is issued and signed by one judge, writing for the court.Explanation
The statement that a per curium opinion is issued and signed by one judge, writing for the court is false. A per curium opinion is actually a decision issued by an appellate court collectively, without identifying the individual judge or judges who wrote the opinion. It is a unanimous decision of the court and does not represent the opinion of one judge.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following statements is false, according to the Hopkins text?
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As interpreter of the U. S. Constitution, the Supreme Court can review the constitutionality of all legislation.
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The courts have the power and resources to enforce their own decisions.
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The decisions of a state Supreme Court are binding on all of that state's courts.
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State governors can call on the U.S. Army to enforce State Supreme Court rulings.
Correct Answer
A. The courts have the power and resources to enforce their own decisions.Explanation
According to the Hopkins text, the statement "The courts have the power and resources to enforce their own decisions" is false. The text likely explains that while the courts have the authority to interpret and make decisions, they rely on other branches of government, such as the executive branch, to enforce those decisions. Therefore, the courts themselves do not have the power and resources to enforce their own decisions.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of the following statements is correct, according to the Hopkins text?
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Judicial review is power of courts to deem laws unconstitutional.
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There are at least two U. S. District Courts in each state.
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The Chief Justice of the United States can veto the votes of the associate justices.
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There are 12 justices on the U. S. Supreme Court.
Correct Answer
A. Judicial review is power of courts to deem laws unconstitutional.Explanation
The correct answer is "Judicial review is power of courts to deem laws unconstitutional." This statement is correct according to the Hopkins text. Judicial review refers to the power of the courts to review and potentially invalidate laws or actions that are deemed to be unconstitutional. This power allows the judicial branch to act as a check on the legislative and executive branches of government.Rate this question:
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- 16.
A non-criminal wrong committed by one person against another is called
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Damages
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Indictment
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Probable cause
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A tort
Correct Answer
A. A tortExplanation
A non-criminal wrong committed by one person against another is called a tort. A tort refers to a civil wrongdoing that causes harm or injury to another person, their property, or their reputation. Unlike criminal offenses, torts are addressed through civil lawsuits where the victim seeks compensation for the damages they have suffered. This can include physical injuries, emotional distress, financial losses, or harm to one's reputation. Examples of torts include negligence, defamation, assault, and trespassing.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The person who appeals a case to a court of last resort is known as the
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Respondent
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Plaintiff
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Petitioner
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Defendant
Correct Answer
A. PetitionerExplanation
The person who appeals a case to a court of last resort is known as the petitioner. This is because the petitioner is the one who initiates the appeal and brings the case before the court. They are seeking a review or reversal of a lower court's decision. The respondent, on the other hand, is the party against whom the appeal is filed and must respond to the petitioner's arguments. The plaintiff and defendant are typically used in the context of the original trial, not the appeal process.Rate this question:
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- 18.
A basic responsibility of appeals courts is to
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Hear new testimony that was missed by the lower court
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Review the application of the law by the lower court
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Decide whether a case should be sent to the Supreme Court
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Interview the petitioner
Correct Answer
A. Review the application of the law by the lower courtExplanation
The correct answer is "review the application of the law by the lower court." Appeals courts are responsible for reviewing the decisions made by lower courts to ensure that the law was applied correctly. They do not hear new testimony or interview the petitioner, and their role is not to decide whether a case should be sent to the Supreme Court. Their primary function is to review the lower court's application of the law and determine if any errors were made.Rate this question:
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- 19.
True or False: Federal regulatory agencies (such as the FCC and the FTC) have the authority to make rules that have the force of law.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Federal regulatory agencies like the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) are empowered by the government to create and enforce rules and regulations within their respective jurisdictions. These rules are legally binding and have the force of law. These agencies are responsible for overseeing and regulating various industries and sectors to ensure compliance and protect the interests of consumers and the public.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Which of the following statements is true, according to the discussion in the lesson?
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Ethics is the system of rules that governs society.
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Law is concerned with what is right and wrong, in a deep moral sense.
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Law may deem some ethical codes to be immoral.
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Law and ethics both promote social harmony.
Correct Answer
A. Law and ethics both promote social harmony.Explanation
Law and ethics both promote social harmony because they provide guidelines and standards for individuals and society to follow. Law sets the legal framework and regulations that govern behavior, while ethics sets moral principles and values that guide individuals in making right decisions. When both law and ethics are upheld, they contribute to a harmonious and orderly society where people are treated fairly and justly.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 17, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Mar 06, 2010Quiz Created by
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