Understanding The American Legal System and Its History

To understand the concept of the American legal system and its modus operandi, it deems essential to date back to its inception.

The legal system of the United States is renowned for being one of the most intricate in the world, with a rich and diverse history that has been influenced by a variety of factors.

When European settlers arrived in the United States, they brought with them the legal system of their home country, which was initially based on the English common law system.

Over the years, however, the United States legal system has undergone significant changes and has become distinct, drawing from multiple legal traditions.

A pivotal moment in the evolution of the United States’ legal system was the American Revolution, which marked the birth of a new nation and gave rise to the establishment of novel legal concepts and institutions.

In 1787, the Constitution of the United States was ratified, serving as the cornerstone of the United States legal system until the present day.

The Constitution, which is widely regarded as one of the most important documents in the history of law, outlines the basic principles of the United States legal system and provides the framework for the separation of powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.

It also includes provisions that protect fundamental rights and liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press.

Today, the United States legal system is based on a complex network of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and court decisions. The system encompasses a wide range of legal fields, including civil law, criminal law, constitutional law, and administrative law.

The legal profession is composed of various actors, such as lawyers, judges, and legal scholars, who interpret and apply the law in different contexts.

Throughout its history, the United States legal system has been profoundly influenced by a series of landmark Supreme Court decisions that have had a lasting impact on the legal landscape.

Perhaps the most significant of these decisions was Marbury v. Madison, which established the principle of judicial review. This critical ruling granted the Supreme Court the authority to assess the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions, and to invalidate laws that violate the Constitution.

Over time, the United States legal system has undergone numerous transformations and adaptations. In the early 1800s, the legal system began to expand westward, as the United States acquired new territories and established new legal systems in those regions.

In the late 1800s, the legal system was reformed in response to the Industrial Revolution, as new laws were created to regulate the growing number of businesses and corporations.

In the 20th century, there was a significant expansion of individual rights, particularly in areas such as civil rights, voting rights, and women’s rights.

These changes were largely driven by landmark Supreme Court decisions such as Brown v. Board of Education, which ended segregation in public schools, and Roe v. Wade, which established a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion.

In the 21st century, the United States legal system faces a range of new challenges, including the ongoing debates surrounding immigration policy, gun control, and national security.

The legal system is also grappling with issues related to technological advancements, such as the use of social media and the impact of artificial intelligence on the job market.

1. The Concept of The American Legal System

The roots of the United States legal system can be traced back to the English legal system, which was introduced to the American colonies in the 17th century.

At the time, the English common law system served as the foundation of the legal system in the colonies, and it established the precedent that judges could rely upon when making legal decisions.

Over time, the American legal system evolved and transformed in response to various political, social, and economic developments.

The US Constitution, which was ratified in 1787, established a federal system of government and enshrined the principles of the separation of powers and the rule of law.

Today, the US legal system is a complex network of federal, state, and local laws and regulations that govern every aspect of society. The rule of law remains a fundamental principle of the legal system, and it ensures that everyone, regardless of their status or position, is subject to the law and can seek justice under the law.

The US legal system is also characterized by its emphasis on individual rights and liberties, which are protected by the Constitution and a range of federal and state laws. These rights include freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as protections against discrimination and unjust treatment.

Despite its complexity and challenges, the US legal system remains a vital institution that plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of its citizens and ensuring that justice is served fairly and impartially.

1.1 The Initiation of the American Legal System

As the American colonies grew and developed, they began to establish their own legal systems that drew upon the English legal tradition but also reflected the unique social, economic, and political circumstances of the colonies.

These legal systems varied from colony to colony, but they generally placed a strong emphasis on individual rights, property rights, and due process.

With the outbreak of the American Revolution in 1775, the colonies declared their independence from Great Britain and began the process of establishing a new, independent legal system.

This process culminated in the drafting of the US Constitution in 1787, which established a federal system of government and created a framework for the American legal system that remains in place to this day.

Since the adoption of the Constitution, the American legal system has undergone numerous changes and reforms, reflecting changing social and political priorities, advances in technology, and shifting legal and ethical standards.

On the same lines, In addition to the development of administrative law, the 20th century also saw significant changes to the American legal system in other areas.

For example, the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s led to the passage of landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These laws were designed to combat discrimination and ensure that all Americans had equal protection under the law.

The 20th century also saw the rise of a number of new legal specialties, including environmental law, intellectual property law, and international law.

These specialties reflect the changing needs of society and the increasing complexity of legal issues in an interconnected and globalized world.

Today, the American legal system remains one of the most complex and diverse in the world. It is characterized by a vast array of laws and regulations, a robust system of courts and legal professionals, and a commitment to the principles of justice and equality under the law.

Despite the challenges it faces, the American legal system continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of society, ensuring that it remains a vital and dynamic force in American life.

1.2 The Beginning of Legal Research

The inception of the American legal system began with the very basics, that is of identifying the areas of law to be researched, analyzed, and better.

Legal research is a crucial aspect of the practice of law, requiring lawyers to spend a significant amount of time researching in order to answer their clients’ legal questions.

The vast and detailed nature of American law makes it impossible for any lawyer to keep all of it in memory, and the law is constantly evolving. This means that lawyers must constantly update their knowledge and conduct research into the laws affecting their clients.

Legal research is different from other types of research in several ways. Firstly, legal rules are highly detailed and nuanced, which means that legal research often involves acts of interpretation even at the research stage.

Secondly, legal rules derive from a variety of sources, many of which may be unfamiliar to students.

Additionally, legal research has a long history of publication, and legal materials have developed their own unique information systems that differ from those used in other fields.

Finally, the process of legal research itself tends to be different, as legal researchers often investigate ideas in the context of specific cases and their unique factual circumstances.

In general, legal research is a complex and important aspect of the practice of law, requiring lawyers to have a deep understanding of the sources of law and the legal system as a whole.

The practice of law involves a substantial amount of research, and lawyers spend a considerable amount of time researching. This is because the field of American law is too vast, too diverse, and too intricate for any one lawyer to remember all of it.

Moreover, the law is a dynamic entity that tends to evolve over time. Therefore, in order to respond to clients’ legal queries, lawyers typically conduct research into the laws that apply to their clients.

Legal research differs significantly from other types of research. Legal rules are often highly detailed and nuanced, so legal research often requires interpreting laws even during the research process.

Legal rules are derived from a wide range of sources, many of which are unfamiliar to students.

Additionally, legal materials have a long publishing history, and the organization of legal materials is distinct from that of other materials.

Finally, the legal research process itself differs from that of other fields, where researchers typically explore concepts in the abstract.

1.3 Understanding the Aspect of Federalism

Federalism is a political system in which power is divided between a central government and smaller, regional governments such as states or provinces. In a federal system, both levels of government have some degree of autonomy and power to make laws and govern their respective areas.

The said division of power allows for a more decentralized system of governance, where decisions can be made more efficiently and tailored to the unique needs of each region.

In the case of the United States, the federal system was established by the Constitution, which divided power between the federal government and individual state governments.

The federal government is responsible for matters such as national defence, foreign policy, and regulating interstate commerce, while state governments are responsible for matters such as education, public safety, and transportation.

One of the key features of the U.S. federal system is the principle of “dual sovereignty,” which means that both the federal government and state governments have their own independent spheres of authority.

The aforementioned means that the federal government can only exercise its powers in areas explicitly delegated to it by the Constitution, while state governments retain all powers not specifically granted to the federal government.

The relationship between the federal government and state governments in the United States has evolved over time. In the early years of the Republic, the federal government had relatively limited power and authority, and most governing was done at the state level.

However, over time, the federal government has become increasingly involved in areas such as civil rights, social welfare, and environmental regulation.

Despite this expansion of federal power, the principle of federalism remains a core feature of the U.S. political system. It allows for a balance between centralization and decentralization and ensures that power is dispersed among multiple levels of government rather than concentrated in a single entity.

This system has its advantages and disadvantages, and it is a subject of ongoing debate and discussion in American politics.

1.4 The Commencement of American Federalism

Prior to the American Revolution, the land that would eventually become the United States of America was a collection of colonies that were established by European powers.

These colonies were initially under the control of England, and later Great Britain, and were given charters to govern themselves according to English law.

Elaborating on the aforesaid, the colonies were geographically spread out, with vast distances between them, and travel was slow during this period. As a result, each colony effectively governed itself for much of the 17th and 18th centuries.

However, tensions began to rise between the colonies and Great Britain in the latter half of the 18th century. The British government attempted to reassert control over the colonies, imposing new taxes and regulations, which the colonists saw as a violation of their rights.

The colonists rebelled and eventually won their independence in 1776, forming the United States of America.

Despite their shared goal of independence, each colony was initially concerned with its own sovereignty and independence, rather than forming a united country. This was due to their history of self-rule and individual charters.

However, to coordinate the war effort against Great Britain, the colonies sent representatives to a Continental Congress. The Congress eventually adopted the Articles of Confederation, which served as the governing document of the new country until it was replaced by the Constitution.

Focus in general, the initial United States of America was formed from a collection of self-governing colonies that rebelled against Great Britain to gain independence. Each colony was initially concerned with its own sovereignty but eventually formed a loose confederation to coordinate its efforts.

The Articles of Confederation established the United States as a confederation, which is a type of federal state with a weaker central government and stronger local governments.

However, this system proved to be ineffective in administering such a vast territory, and the country struggled economically. As a result, the Founding Fathers reconvened less than a decade later to draft the U.S. Constitution.

While they acknowledged the need for a stronger central government, the Founding Fathers were also wary of creating too powerful of a central government. The idea of self-rule at the state level had been a significant factor in the Revolution.

As a result, the Constitution creates a strong federal government but also limits the scope of federal law-making authority to specific topics. State governments, on the other hand, retain general sovereignty and have law-making authority over a wider range of topics.

Under this system, the federal government possesses “enumerated powers,” or law-making powers specifically listed in the Constitution, while state governments possess “reserved powers,” or law-making powers over everything else.

Referring to the aforesaid, the explanation is that the federal government has authority over certain areas, such as regulating commerce between states, coining money, and providing for the common defence, while state governments have authority over areas such as education, criminal law, and land use planning.

In a nutshell, the Articles of Confederation created a weak central government with strong state governments, which proved to be ineffective.

The Constitution established a stronger federal government but also limited its law-making authority to specific areas while reserving broad law-making authority to the states.

This system of enumerated and reserved powers has been a cornerstone of the American political system for over two centuries.

1.5 Impact of Federalism on Legal Research

The structure of American federalism, with its division of powers between federal and state governments, has a significant impact on legal research.

Researchers may need to consult both federal and state laws to address legal issues within a given territory, and determining which set of laws applies can sometimes require additional research.

Taking, as an illustration, the fact that while copyright law is governed solely by federal law, other areas of law, such as crimes like robbery, may be governed by both federal and state law due to the federal government’s power over interstate commerce.

Moreover, the legal system in the United States comprises many more than just two sets of laws. Each of the fifty states has its own set of laws, as do the District of Columbia and other federal territories.

Additionally, American Indian tribes have their own limited form of sovereignty, which means that researchers may need to consider their laws as well.

While not every legal issue will involve all of these different sets of laws, it is important for legal researchers to remain aware of their existence, as they may contain valuable information that can help interpret other jurisdictions’ laws.

Ultimately, the complexity of American federalism means that legal research in the United States can be challenging, requiring careful consideration of multiple sets of laws and their interplay.

However, by remaining aware of the various sets of laws and how they relate to each other, researchers can better navigate the intricacies of the American legal system.

Choice-of-law is the process by which a court determines which jurisdiction’s laws should apply to a particular case. This can be a complicated process because different jurisdictions may have different laws governing the same issue, and a court needs to decide which law to apply.

Take, as an illustration, the fact that if a person in New York enters into a contract with a person in California, and there is a dispute over the terms of the contract, a court will need to determine whether to apply New York law or California law to resolve the dispute.

There are a number of factors that courts consider when making choice-of-law decisions. One common approach is to apply the law of the state with the most significant relationship to the transaction or the parties involved.

This can involve looking at where the contract was formed, where it was performed, where the parties are located, and other relevant factors. Another approach is to apply the law of the forum state, which is the state in which the case is being heard.

Choice-of-law issues can be particularly complex in cases that involve federal law or multiple jurisdictions. Federal courts may be called upon to interpret and apply state law, and state courts may need to apply federal law or the laws of other states.

This can make legal research challenging because a lawyer may need to research the laws of multiple jurisdictions to determine which law applies to a particular case.

However, understanding the principles of choice of law can help lawyers navigate these issues and make more effective legal arguments on behalf of their clients.

This aforementioned explains how the division of power between the federal government and state governments in the U.S. creates a complex legal system with multiple sets of laws that may apply to a given issue, as well as multiple court systems that may have jurisdiction over the same geographic area.

Legal researchers must be aware of the existence of these multiple sets of laws and court systems and understand the principles of choice of law to determine which laws apply to a particular case.

Not only that, but the same also highlights the importance of the separation of powers in the U.S. legal system, with the legislative, executive, and judicial branches each having distinct roles in creating and interpreting laws.

1.6 The Idea of Separation of Powers and Sources of Law

The concept of the Separation of Powers is rooted in the idea that dividing power among three branches of government with distinct responsibilities and authorities provides a system of checks and balances that can help prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and potentially tyrannical.

The legislative branch, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is responsible for creating and passing laws. The executive branch, headed by the President of the United States, is responsible for implementing and enforcing those laws.

Finally, the judicial branch, made up of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, is responsible for interpreting and applying the laws.

Each branch of government has its own specific powers and responsibilities, and no one branch is allowed to encroach on the powers of another. This division of power helps ensure that no one person or group of people can accumulate too much power and dominate the government.

For example, the President cannot make laws but must rely on Congress to pass them. Congress, on the other hand, cannot enforce laws but must rely on the executive branch to do so.

And if either the executive or legislative branches overstep their bounds, the judicial branch can step in to provide oversight and ensure that the Constitution is being upheld.

Focusing on the sources of law in the U.S. legal system, the legislative branch is responsible for passing statutes, which are written laws that are enacted by Congress or state legislatures.

These statutes become part of the body of law and may be used by the courts to decide cases. Statutes are considered primary sources of the law because they are the direct expression of the legislative will.

The judicial branch, which includes both federal and state courts, issues opinions or judgments that become part of the body of law as well.

Opinions issued by higher courts are often considered more authoritative than those issued by lower courts. These opinions may interpret existing statutes or may establish new legal principles.

The executive branch, which includes the President at the federal level and the governors at the state level, has the power to draft regulations. 

These regulations are issued by administrative agencies and have the force of law, though they must be consistent with existing statutes and constitutional provisions.

Finally, the U.S. Constitution is the ultimate source of law, as it establishes the framework for the entire legal system and sets limits on the powers of the other branches. It is the highest form of law in the U.S. and cannot be overruled by any other source of law.

Conclusively, the sources of law in the U.S. legal system include statutes passed by the legislative branch, opinions issued by the judicial branch, regulations drafted by the executive branch, and the U.S. Constitution, which serves as the ultimate source of law.

1.7 The Concept of the Constitution

Legal positivism is a legal theory that emphasizes the idea that the law is a human-made construct that is only valid because people accept it.

It suggests that the validity of the law is not determined by moral or ethical considerations, but rather by the process through which it is created and accepted by the community.

In other words, legal positivists believe that law is a social construct that is created by human beings, and not by any divine or natural authority.

H. L. A. Hart, a prominent legal philosopher, played a significant role in developing and popularizing the theory of legal positivism. According to Hart, the law is a set of rules that are accepted by society, and the validity of these rules is determined by their source.

In other words, for a legal rule to be valid, it must be created through a process that is recognized and accepted by the community. Hart called this process the “rule of recognition,” which is the ultimate source of legal authority.

In the United States, the rule of recognition for the federal government is the U.S. Constitution, which serves as the ultimate source of law. Similarly, state constitutions serve as the rules of recognition for their respective state governments.

These constitutions derive their authority from the acceptance and will of the people, according to the legal positivist perspective.

Therefore, for legal researchers in the United States, the Constitution represents the ultimate source of law, as it serves as the foundation for all other legal sources, including statutes, regulations, and court opinions.

Constitutions provide each branch of government with a specific method of creating legal rules.

For example, the legislative branch creates legal rules through the process of enacting statutes, which are laws passed by a legislative body. Statutes can originate from either the federal or state level and cover a wide range of topics, from criminal law to taxation to healthcare.

On the other hand, the executive branch creates legal rules through administrative agencies, which are entities created by the legislature to carry out specific functions.

These agencies have the power to make regulations, which are detailed rules that interpret and implement the broader provisions of statutes.

Regulations can be used to clarify the requirements of law or to establish specific procedures for carrying out a particular function.

Finally, the judicial branch creates legal rules through the common law, which is a system of legal precedents created by the decisions of judges. 

Common law is based on the principle of stare decisis, which means that judges must follow the precedents set by previous courts of equal or higher authority.

Over time, the common law evolves as new cases are decided and new precedents are established.

1.8 The Essence of the Initiation of Statutes

The legislative branch, which is responsible for creating laws in the form of statutes, is divided into two houses on the federal level: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

To create a law, a legislator introduces a bill in their respective house, and if it passes both houses and receives the signature of the jurisdiction’s chief executive, it becomes an enacted law.

These enacted laws are called “Public Laws” and are published by the Government Publishing Office (GPO) in a multi-volume set called the Statutes at Large.

The GPO also organizes the Public Laws by topic and includes them in a topically-organized publication of all federal laws in force called the United States Code.

State legislatures follow a similar process to the federal legislature in creating laws, but the terminology used varies. In Kentucky, for example, the legislature is called the General Assembly and bills that pass become Acts, which can be found in the Kentucky Acts or the Kentucky Revised Statutes.

Take, as an illustration, the fact that in Texas, bills become General Laws published in the Texas General Laws before being included in one of several codes named for their topics.

Despite different terminology, statutes are the second most important source of law after constitutions, as they represent laws in their most basic sense and typically take precedence over other sources of law.

2. Purpose of The American Legal System

To understand the concept of the American legal system, it deems crucial to dive into the essentialities of the aforesaid by comprehending the purpose behind the initiation of the same.

2.1 The Process of Establishing Standards

Federal laws are created by the legislative branch of the federal government and apply to all citizens of the United States. They establish standards and guidelines for behaviour that are considered minimally acceptable across the country.

State and local laws, on the other hand, are created by the legislative branches of state and local governments and only apply to the citizens of that particular state or locality.

While state and local laws may be similar to federal laws in some cases, they may also differ significantly, as the individual states and localities have the power to regulate matters not covered by federal law.

2.2 A Way to Promote Consistency

The American legal system does have roots in the British Common Law system and it has evolved to become its own unique legal system over time. Nevertheless, many American legal principles and concepts have been influenced by British Common Law.

The use of precedent and case law as a basis for legal reasoning and decision-making is a hallmark of the Common Law system and is still an important aspect of the American legal system.

Reception statutes, as mentioned, have been enacted by most U.S. states (excluding Louisiana) to incorporate the Common Law of England into their own state law.

However, the extent to which Common Law is applied in each state may vary, and in many cases, state law may diverge from Common Law principles.

Additionally, the reception of Common Law is typically subject to any constitutional limitations or statutory modifications in the state.

While the American legal system has its roots in the English Common Law system, it has evolved and expanded to become its own distinct body of law.

As a result, American judges rarely rely on English materials when making their rulings, except for famous or classic cases.

Furthermore, foreign law is not considered a binding precedent in the American legal system. Instead, judges rely on the precedent set by past American case law within their jurisdiction as the primary source of guidance for their own rulings.

2.3 To Maintain Law and Order

One of the primary functions of law is to promote and maintain order. The law provides a framework for resolving disputes and addressing conflicts. It creates a set of rules that citizens are expected to follow, and it establishes consequences for those who violate those rules.

This helps to promote social order and stability, as well as deter criminal behaviour. By enforcing the law, governments can maintain order and ensure that society functions smoothly.

2.4 The Method to Resolve Disputes

ADR is an increasingly popular means of resolving disputes outside of the traditional court system. Mediation involves a neutral third party who works with the parties to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.

Arbitration is a process where a neutral third party hears evidence and arguments from both sides and makes a binding decision.

 ADR can be less costly and time-consuming than traditional litigation, and may also provide more privacy and flexibility in terms of the outcome.

However, not all disputes are suitable for ADR, and in some cases, court intervention may still be necessary.

2.5 The Aspect of Protecting Liberties and Rights

The American legal system is a dual system composed of both federal and state law. This division of power between the national government and state governments was established in the U.S. Constitution and has been a defining characteristic of the American legal system since its inception.

The federal government is responsible for issues that affect the entire country, such as national security, foreign policy, and interstate commerce, while state governments have primary responsibility for issues that affect their own citizens, such as criminal law, family law, and property law.

The federal system ensures that there is a balance of power between the national and state governments, which helps protect individual rights and liberties.

Conclusion

To understand the inception of the American Legal System, it was essential to shine a light on how it was brought into existence.

From comprehending the concept of Federalism to understanding the purpose the system serves, the legal system of the United States has brought enormous changes to elaborate on how a nation must function.