
In a criminal case, the prosecution must meet the standard that there is no other logical explanation besides the defendant committing the crime. In a civil case, there is no prosecutor, and the term used for the person bringing the case is the plaintiff. In the case of the shipwrecked sailors, if a civil action were brought against Dudley and Stevens, Brooke's family would be the plaintiffs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who would bring the case? | Brooke's family |
| What is the term used for persons bringing a civil case? | Plaintiff |
| What is the role of the prosecutor in a civil case? | There is no prosecutor |
| What term would be used for persons who are being sued in a civil case? | Defendant |
| What would the persons bringing the case ask for? | Damages |
| How would the case get started? | Brooke's family would file a complaint |
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What You'll Learn

LandmarkCases.org
The student section provides print-ready PDFs with relevant case materials, while the teacher section offers editable Word documents and PDFs with teaching strategies and suggestions for adapting the materials for different student levels. Teachers are also given access to Street Law's Free Resource Library, which requires a free account to access.
The LandmarkCases.org glossary is a valuable tool for both students and teachers, compiling important vocabulary terms from the case materials. Additionally, the teaching strategies section offers a comprehensive list of interactive teaching strategies, with instructions for implementation, many of which are employed in the site's activities.
To cite sources from LandmarkCases.org, the exact format will depend on the preferred style guide of the educational institution, such as MLA, APA, or the Chicago Manual of Style. However, the basic information required for citation remains consistent across these styles. For example, in MLA format, the citation would appear as: "Street Law, Inc. "Page Title." LandmarkCases.org, 2020, page URL, Accessed date month year."
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LegalTimelines.org
In the realm of street law, understanding who has the authority to bring a case is crucial for seeking justice and resolving legal disputes. The ability to initiate legal action varies depending on the specific circumstances and the legal system in question. In most common law jurisdictions, including those based on the English legal system, there are typically two primary routes to bringing a case: through private action or public prosecution.
Private Action:
In the context of street law, private action typically refers to situations where an individual or entity directly affected by an incident or dispute takes legal action. This can include victims of crimes, individuals involved in civil disputes, or organizations seeking to enforce their rights. For example, if a person is assaulted and injured by another individual, they may choose to bring a case against the assailant to seek compensation for their injuries and hold them accountable. In civil matters, such as disputes over contracts, property, or personal injuries, it is often down to the involved parties to initiate legal action.
To commence a private action, one typically seeks legal representation and files a claim or complaint with the appropriate court. It is then up to the claimant to build a case, present evidence, and argue their position before a judge or jury. Private actions can be funded by the individuals themselves ("litigants in person"), but more often, they will seek legal representation, which can be funded privately or through insurance.
Public Prosecution:
On the other hand, public prosecution refers to cases brought forward by a government body or state prosecutor. These are typically criminal cases involving offenses against the state, society, or violations of public order. For instance, if a person is suspected of committing a serious crime like robbery or assault, the state, through its prosecutors, will bring a case against the accused individual. The decision to prosecute is generally made by a public prosecutor's office, which reviews the evidence gathered by law enforcement and determines if there is sufficient grounds and public interest to pursue a conviction.
Public prosecutions are funded by the state and are typically handled by government lawyers or prosecutors who specialize in criminal law. They work on behalf of the state to present the case, call witnesses, and argue for a conviction and appropriate sentencing. In some jurisdictions, there may be a process for private individuals to initiate a public prosecution if they feel the state has failed to act, but this varies by region.
It is important to remember that the specific processes and terminology may vary across jurisdictions, and there can be nuances to each legal system. Therefore, it is always advisable to seek guidance from legal professionals or organizations, such as LegalTimelines.org, familiar with the intricacies of the local legal landscape. They can provide accurate and up-to-date information on the applicable laws, rights, and procedures relevant to your specific situation.
By offering resources and educational tools, LegalTimelines.org empowers individuals to understand their legal rights and navigate the complex world of street law with confidence. Visitors can access clear explanations, step-by-step guides, and timelines outlining the typical processes for various legal matters, ensuring they are well-informed throughout their legal journey.
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Applying Precedents
Precedent, a defining feature of common law systems, refers to a judicial decision that serves as an authority for courts when deciding subsequent identical or similar cases. It operates under the principle of stare decisis, which translates to "to stand by things decided".
In common law, precedent can be either binding or persuasive. Binding precedent, based on stare decisis, requires lower courts to adhere to the rulings made by higher or appellate courts within the same jurisdiction. For example, in the United States, decisions made by the U.S. Supreme Court are binding on all other courts in the nation. On the other hand, persuasive precedent refers to legal decisions that a court may consider but is not obligated to follow. Courts may find persuasive precedent compelling and choose to rely on it, especially when interpreting unclear laws or in "cases of first impression" where no prior binding authority exists.
The application of precedent is not static and may be influenced by evolving cultural, social, and economic conditions. For instance, in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the precedent set by Roe v. Wade and Casey, demonstrating that precedent can be overturned or modified over time.
The concept of stare decisis itself has horizontal and vertical components. Horizontal stare decisis refers to a court following its own earlier decisions, while vertical stare decisis obligates lower courts to strictly adhere to the rulings of higher or appellate courts.
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Judicial Opinion Writing
In a criminal case, the prosecution bears the burden of proof, meaning they must present evidence that establishes the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. There should be no other logical explanation based on the facts except that the defendant committed the crime. Judicial opinion writing in such cases serves to explain the court's evaluation of the evidence and its application of legal principles.
The structure of a judicial opinion in a criminal case typically follows a standard format. Firstly, the opening paragraph identifies the type of case, the parties involved, and the outcome of the trial court. This is followed by an indication of the specific issues being appealed. The opinion then presents a statement of facts relevant to the case, including any conflicting claims or evidence.
The discussion section is a critical component of the judicial opinion, where the court explains its interpretation and application of the relevant laws, rules, or principles to the facts of the case. This section may also address any legal precedents or constitutional provisions that influenced the court's decision. Finally, the opinion concludes with a summary of the court's findings and any necessary directions or rulings.
It is worth noting that the plaintiff brings a civil case, while the prosecutor initiates a criminal case. In the context of street law, where criminal activities may occur, it is typically the prosecutor who would bring the case, presenting evidence to meet the burden of proof and seeking a conviction against the defendant.
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Mock Trial
A mock trial is an excellent learning tool for students to gain knowledge about the law, develop questioning techniques, and understand the challenges faced by judges, lawyers, and juries. It can be based on historical events, contemporary trials, classroom situations, or hypothetical scenarios. Here is a step-by-step guide to conducting a mock trial:
Step 1: Introduction and Conflict
Begin with a conflict or dispute that the parties involved have been unable to resolve on their own. This could be a scenario related to street law, such as a dispute between neighbours or a traffic violation.
Step 2: Opening Proceedings
Cover the administrative and procedural steps before the trial. Identify the accused and call them to the bar. Read the charges to the accused, and ask for their plea ("guilty" or "not guilty").
Step 3: Opening Statements
Both the prosecution and defence give opening statements, outlining their arguments and the evidence they intend to present, including witnesses and exhibits.
Step 4: Witness Examination
Lawyers from both sides examine witnesses by asking a series of questions. Witnesses must answer truthfully and to the best of their ability.
Step 5: Evidence Presentation
Each side presents their evidence, which can include documents, exhibits, and witness testimonies. Ensure that general rules of evidence and procedure are followed.
Step 6: Closing Statements
After all the evidence has been presented, each lawyer provides a closing statement. They summarise the evidence, discuss key issues, and explain why the judge should rule in their favour.
Step 7: Jury Instructions (if applicable)
The judge explains to the jury the rules of law they should consider when weighing the evidence. The jury's role is crucial, as they determine the facts of the case by accepting or rejecting witness testimonies.
Step 8: Feedback and Debriefing
After the mock trial, the judge or a legal expert can provide feedback to the participants. This includes tips on what went well and areas for improvement, enhancing the educational value of the experience.
Remember, a mock trial should not only focus on the roles of attorneys but also encourage students to explore the roles of witnesses, jurors, and the judge to gain a comprehensive understanding of the trial process.
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Frequently asked questions
A prosecutor would bring the case in a criminal trial.
A plaintiff would bring the case in a civil trial.
There is no prosecutor in a civil case.
Defendant.
Damages.


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