Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Law & Jurisprudence

The Second Amendment is part of the Bill of Rights and protects the right of individuals to keep and bear arms. It is one of the most debated amendments to the United States Constitution because it affects a large number of people. The Second Amendment states that citizens have the right to possess and bear arms.

In recent years, debates in the courts and public opinion about the meaning of the Second Amendment have focused on whether it protects the right of individuals. The controversy surrounding the Second Amendment does not clearly define its exact meaning. The Second Amendment is important for protecting people’s rights, and, as Dickinson observed, it can be seen from different perspectives.

It is important to understand the different... Continue reading "Understanding the Second Amendment: Rights and Interpretations" »

The Evolution of Judicial Systems Until 1978

Historical Background

The Middle Ages, spanning from the 5th century (fall of the Roman Empire in 476 AD) to the 15th century (conquest of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453), witnessed significant shifts in judicial systems. While some mark the end with the Reconquest and the Discovery of America in 1492, the period undeniably shaped legal frameworks.

Feudalism, the dominant system in Western Europe, underpinned economic, social, and political life. Government systems relied on bonds and obligations linking kings, lords, and vassals. Legislative, executive, and judicial powers were concentrated in the hands of the King or Lord.

However, kingdoms outside Muslim rule saw a gradual shift from King-centric... Continue reading "Evolution of Judicial Systems Until 1978: From Feudalism to Modernity" »

Accept an Invitation

accept an invitation to say 'yes' to an invitation or offer

Anniversary

anniversary a date that is an exact number of years after the date of an important or special event

Arrange a Trip

arrange a trip to plan or organize a trip

Book

book to arrange with a hotel, restaurant, theatre, etc. to have a room, table, seat, etc. on a particular date

Budget

budget the money that is available to a person or an organization to spend on a particular thing

Celebrate

celebrate to show that a day or an event is important by doing something special on it

Convention

convention a large meeting of the members of a profession, a political party, etc.

Corporate Entertainment

corporate entertainment activities organized by companies to entertain their customers,... Continue reading "Event Planning Vocabulary: Accepting Invitations, Arranging Trips, and More" »

Contracts

Informal

Spanish Political System

Types of Political Systems

Authoritarian System

Power is controlled by one person.

• Dictatorship: A single party.
• Theocracy: Religious authorities control the government.
• Republic: The president is a dictator.
• Monarchy: The monarch has absolute power.

Territory

Controls and has a border that marks its boundaries with other states.

Decentralized States

They are a combination between centralized and federal states; they have autonomy in these matters.

Unitary State

The executive power is exerted by a single and central government.

Federal State

Power is divided between the federal government and the states' governments.

Rule of Law and the Constitution

Rule of Law

The state is subject to laws and regulations, and any new law depends on... Continue reading "Spanish Political System: Structure and Institutions" »

Essential Vocabulary for Enhanced Communication

Dark and Gloomy

Murky: Dark and gloomy, especially due to thick mist.

Charm or Magical Object

Talisman (noun): An object that serves as a charm or is believed to confer magical powers; an amulet, fetish.

Humble Request

Suppliant: Asking humbly and earnestly.

Violent Whirlpool or Situation

Maelstrom (noun): A whirlpool of great size and violence; a situation resembling a whirlpool in violence and destruction.

Expressing Disapproval

Pejorative (adjective): Tending to make worse; expressing disapproval or disparagement.

Social Appropriateness

Propriety (noun): The state of being proper, appropriateness; (plural) standards of what is proper or socially acceptable.

Easily Recognized

Overt (adjective): Open, not... Continue reading "Vocabulary Building: 26 Essential Words for Enhanced Communication" »

Sociability and self-interest

It’s a position of sociability defended by Thomas Hobbes or Sigmund Freud. Human beings are not social beings by nature, but we live in society for pure self-interest. Our way of being does not lead us to live in society to fulfill ourselves as human beings, but to guarantee our survival.

Therefore, the human being is not predisposed to mingle and cooperate with others; on the contrary, the human being is a selfish being who perceives others as possible rivals in the satisfaction of their desires although because of the difficulties, they look for help in others.

Sociability and nature:

It’s a position of sociability defended by Aristotle or Erich Fromm. The human being is incomplete by nature and, therefore, we... Continue reading "Sociability and Self-Interest: A Philosophical Perspective" »

The 9/11 Commission: Findings and Impact

In late 2002, congressional legislation, signed into law by President George W. Bush, created the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, more commonly known as the 9/11 Commission. The independent, bipartisan commission was charged with preparing a complete report of the circumstances surrounding the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, including U.S. preparedness and immediate response, and with providing recommendations to guard against future attacks. The 9/11 Commission began its first hearings in New York City in the spring of 2003 and presented its findings in a public report released in July 2004.

Establishment of the 9/11 Commission

On November 27, 2002, U.S. President... Continue reading "The 9/11 Commission: Findings and Impact on US Security" »

Absolutist State

An authoritarian state of the Modern Ages. The sovereign's power is unlimited and unrestricted. Rulers are not chosen by citizens, and there's no legal way to oppose their orders.

Totalitarian State

The most extreme authoritarian state, with exhaustive control over social and personal spheres. The state controls non-state institutions, civil society, and private life. Media, education, religion, and family are inspected to prevent opposition.

Law

The set of principles and norms governing human relations in society. It's a comprehensive code addressing all aspects of personal and social interactions.

Rights

The faculty or ability of every human being to do what is allowed or demand what aligns with their dignity. Human rights are a... Continue reading "State Forms and Legal Concepts: Absolutism to Natural Law" »