Running head: SOURCES OF CRIMINAL LAW 1

Sources of Criminal Law

Name

Institutional affiliation
SOURCES OF CRIMINAL LAW 2
Sources of Criminal Law

1. Explain how the two sources of criminal law you selected contributed to the evolution of

modern criminal law

The common laws usually occur in the context of civic procedures, though there is a history of

interaction with and the influence on the evolution of criminal law. Common law was derived

from legal precedents which were established many years ago and which were built upon each

other. In contrast, the United States criminal justice system derives mainly from laws which are

passed by legislatures at the federal and state levels. Common law can be understood as a legal

system which depends on previous rulings on new or similar cases. Common law is used in some

states in determining cases where statutory crimes do not exist. On the other hand, civil law

applies to those cases where statutes are available. Most criminal statutes are based on common

law. In those areas whereby criminal statutes are not clear on legal definitions, the court is left

with no option other than to revert to the available common law description.

2. Articulate a working example of each source of law to illustrate your point.

Some of the possible examples of statutory laws include the country’s traffic regulations,

criminal codes, and tax laws. An example of a common law is the agreed rule which says that

individuals have a duty to read contracts.

3. Explore how social and legal aspects come into play in the context of your selections and

the development of criminal law in modern day society.

Some of the social and social aspects which come into play when statutory or common laws are

developed into criminal law are the behavior and actions incorporated within the law, rules,
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principles, and expectations derived from, and cultural manifestations. Also, they explore

essential human values which are relevant to public law such as rejection of unfairness,

insistence on equality, respect to integrity, individuals’ dignity, and mercy among others.