Civil law is further divided into seven categories: Criminal law, Admiralty law, Common law, Professional law, Process law, Admiralty and Estate law, and Civil process law. Criminal law is primarily concerned with state offenses, while admiralty and estate involve federal offenses. Professional law covers laws such as professional negligence, advertising law, business law, securities law, trademark law, and patent law. Process law encompasses banking, taxation, probate, and administrative law. Civil process law deals with the administrative law and incorporates substantive laws such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Tort Reform Act, and the Rules Regarding State Contracting. There are also laws regarding substantive laws, which are substantive laws that directly affect the parties to a contract, unlike contract law which is primarily a procedural law.
Within the area of civil law there are two major types of law. Original law and statutory law. The original law is created by the legislature and codified by the courts. Statutory law is enacted by the legislative body and codified by the courts. Most of the disputes in the United States involve original law and statutory law.
Law schools prepare lawyers for specific jobs within the legal system. Some positions require a law degree, but most positions simply require a first-year law student. The first-year students in law schools are required to take the examination given by the American Bar Association (ABA). Prior to taking the examination, prospective lawyers must pass the bar exam for state bar membership. This examination is multiple-choice and must be passed within a specific time period, which varies from state to state.
A significant aspect of the first-year law school exam will be multiple choice. The examinee will be required to read a variety of legal documents, listen to a variety of arguments, and answer a variety of questions. This type of exposure prepares the lawyer for the court system. In the United States, the majority of law schools require students to complete the ABA examination prior to entering law school. This is one of the most important requirements for law school graduates.
Law school is not the only way to become a lawyer. A person can also attend a university or college and earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field. A number of universities and colleges now offer programs specifically geared towards helping individuals learn about the various laws that affect their everyday lives. For instance, a health care lawyer might focus his or her studies at an academic institution that offers such programs. Such programs will help students develop skills that will make them effective advocates for those who are challenged by governmental regulations and rules.
Those entering into criminal law, corporate law, or family law will find their intellectual skills challenged by legal theories that evolved hundreds of years ago. Students interested in these areas will need to pursue an advanced degree. These degrees are offered by many universities, colleges, and law schools nationwide. In addition to earning a degree from a school of law, many graduates find employment in the criminal justice system after completing a bachelor’s degree or pursuing other legal opportunities.
Those who are interested in environmental law may benefit from a family law school that trains its students to be effective environmentalists. Those who are drawn to the study of national, local, and international law may also do well as environmental lawyers. Some environmental law schools even offer programs that focus on protecting wetlands and water resources. Those seeking employment in the federal government, national parks services, or other industries that deal with environmental issues will find work in the courts.
