Law

Background
"Earning this merit badge enables a Scout to learn about the history and kinds of laws, the purpose and methods of law enforcement, consumer protection agencies, emerging law, and careers in the legal profession." ~MeritBadge.org

Requirements

 * 1) "Define "law." Tell some of its sources. Describe functions it serves.
 * 2) Discuss TWO of the following:
 * a. Justinian’s Code, The Code of Hammurabi, and the Magna Carta.
 * b. The development of the jury system.
 * c. Two famous trials in history.
 * 1) Tell what civil law is; tell what criminal law is. Tell the main differences between them. Give examples of each.
 * 2) Ask five people (not more than one from your immediate family) about the role of law enforcement officers in our society. Discuss their answers with them. Go to a law enforcement officer in your neighborhood and ask about his or her responsibilities and duties. Report your findings.
 * 3) Tell about several laws that were passed to protect the consumer and the seller. Tell about several organizations that provide help to consumers and sellers.
 * 4) Do ONE of the following:
 * a. Attend a session of a civil or criminal court. Write 250 words or more on what you saw.
 * b. Plan and conduct a mock trial with your troop or school class. After the trial is over, discuss it with the group.
 * 1) Arrange a visit with a lawyer who works for a business, bank, title company, or government agency. Find out his or her duties and responsibilities. Report what you have learned.
 * 2) Explain the requirements for becoming a lawyer in your state. Describe how judges are selected in your state.
 * 3) Make a list of 15 jobs that deal with some aspect of law or legal processes. Tell which you prefer. Why?
 * 4) Tell where people can go to obtain the help of a lawyer if they are unable to pay for one. Tell what you can do if you can afford a lawyer but do not know of any in your area.
 * 5) Discuss with your counselor the importance in our society of TWO of the following areas of the law:
 * a. Environmental law
 * b. Computers and the Internet
 * c. Copyright and the Internet
 * d. Space travel and satellites orbiting Earth
 * e. Patents
 * f. Biotechnology
 * g. Privacy law
 * h. International law" ~MeritBadge.org