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Common Law
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a system of law based on precedent
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stare decisis
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let the decision stand
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Statutory Law
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Law passed by the U.S. Congress or state legislatures
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Bystander Cases
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you have no duty to assist someone in peril unless you created the danger
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statutory interpretation
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the judicial act of interpreting and applying the laws; plain meaning, legislative history, public policy
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Administrative Law
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The body of law created by administrative agencies (in the form of rules, regulations, orders, and decisions) in order to carry out their duties and responsibilities.
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Power of Agencies
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make rules, investigate, adjudicate
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Limits on Agency Power
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statutory, political, judicial, informational
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Executive Agencies
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Federal agencies that are part of the executive branch but outside the structure of cabinet departments. Their heads typically serve at the pleasure of the president and can be removed at the president's discretion.
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independent agencies
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agencies in the executive branch of the federal government formed by Congress to help enforce laws and regulations not covered by the executive departments
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adjudicate
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To hear and decide judicially; to judge
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Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
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1966 law that allows citizens to obtain copies of most public records