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Chapter 1
Indicate whether the statement is true or false. 1. The law does not change; it is based on unchanging and universal truths. a. True b. False 2. William Blackstone, an English jurist, defined law as “a rule of civil conduct prescribed by the supreme power in a state, commanding what is right, and prohibiting what is wrong.” a. True b. False 3. A judge deciding a common law case must look for guidance to similar cases previously decided by that court or superior courts. a. True b. False 4. In the United States, treaties are not subject to judicial review. a. True b. False 5. The primary function of the law is to allow flexibility and adaptability in the social, political, and economic system of a society. a. True b. False 6. Assume the state of Texas has been negotiating with the Mexican government on issues involving acid rain and eventually reaches an agreement with Mexican officials to regulate industrial pollution that contributes to acid rain in return for Texas regulating cattle waste that contributes to water table pollution. This is a valid treaty under the United States Constitution. a. True b. False 7. Since the end of the nineteenth century, case law developed from court opinions has been the primary source of new law and ordered social change in the United States. a. True b. False 8. The common law system is used in most of Europe, Asia, and South America. a. True b. False 9. The burden of proof required in a criminal case is preponderance of the evidence. a. True b. False 10. The principle of judicial review divides the government into three distinct and independent branches: judicial, executive, and legislative.