After reading this chapter, you should be able to:

• Describe how law is used in politics.
• Identify three key functions of the court system and why they’re important.
• Describe the role of trial and appellate courts, which is good to know anyway in the event you find yourself in one.
• Identify different types of legal systems because it’s always handy to know what laws you’re breaking following.
• Understand the various philosophies of jurisprudence so you pass this class.
• Distinguish between some different types of law.
• Explain the purpose of constitutional review.