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What is common law and from where is it derived?
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Common law is judge-made law from court decisions and is historically derived from the English system.
Which federal agencies are responsible for enforcing regulations?
Agencies such as the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
What importance does common law hold in the context of state law?
State common law can be overridden by state statutes and regulations, which are governed by state constitutions.
What role does judicial review play in the U.S. legal system?
Courts engage in judicial review to uphold the Constitution over conflicting laws
What legal issues does the federal common law address?
Federal common law exists in certain areas such as Admiralty Law and is superseded by statutes and regulations when necessary.
What is concurrent jurisdiction in the context of U.S. law?
It is the simultaneous application of local, state, and federal laws in any U.S. location.
What is the primary focus of Constitutional Law in law school?
The federal Constitution and its interpretation
What subjects are focused on in first-year law school courses?
Civil Procedure, Torts, Contracts, Criminal Law, Property, and Constitutional Law
How is learning law described for new law students?
It is comparable to learning a new language or physical skill and involves practical, hands-on learning.
How is the hierarchy of law structured in the U.S. federal system?
Constitution > Federal Statutes > Federal Regulations > Federal Common Law
What does the doctrine of federalism and preemption involve?
Examining conflicts between state and federal laws for preemption
What types of laws are passed by Congress based on constitutional powers?
Statutes
What legal feature ensures that federal law is the supreme law of the land?
The Supremacy Clause (Article 6, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution)
What is the primary legal document that guides the federal government?
United States Constitution
What are the two levels of government in the federal system of the U.S.?
Federal Government and State Governments
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