Task 14. Answer the questions. 1. What is the main peculiarity of the Sumerian people's code? 2. What is the difference between civil law and criminal law? 4. What system did the English government create? 5. When was the United States Constitution ratified? 6. What are the three categories of criminal cases in the US modern system of common laws? 3. When did one of the earliest European documents that highlighted criminal law appear?

1. The main peculiarity of the Sumerian people's code is that it is one of the earliest known legal codes in history, dating back to around 2100 BC. It was created by the Sumerians in ancient Mesopotamia and consisted of a set of laws and regulations that governed various aspects of society, including trade, agriculture, and social behavior.<br /><br />2. Civil law and criminal law are two distinct branches of the legal system. Civil law deals with disputes between individuals or organizations, where one party claims to have suffered a loss or harm as a result of the actions or negligence of the other party. Examples of civil law cases include contract disputes, property disputes, and personal injury claims. Criminal law, on the other hand, deals with offenses against the state or society as a whole. It involves the prosecution of individuals or organizations accused of committing crimes, such as theft, assault, or murder. The primary goal of criminal law is to punish and rehabilitate offenders, as well as to protect society from further harm.<br /><br />4. The English government created the system of common law, also known as the common law system. This legal system is based on the principles of precedent and stare decisis, which means that decisions made by higher courts in previous cases are considered binding and influential in shaping the outcome of future cases. The common law system originated in England and has been adopted and adapted by many other countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.<br /><br />5. The United States Constitution was ratified on June 21, 1788. It was signed on September 17, 1787, by the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Constitution serves as the supreme law of the land and outlines the structure and powers of the federal government, as well as the rights and freedoms of the citizens.<br /><br />6. In the US modern system of common laws, criminal cases are generally categorized into three types: felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Felonies are the most serious crimes and are punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death. Examples of felonies include murder, rape, and armed robbery. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes that carry a maximum punishment of one year or less in jail or prison. Examples of misdemeanors include theft, assault, and vandalism. Infractions are the least serious offenses and are typically punishable by fines or penalties. Examples of infractions include traffic violations, littering, and jaywalking.<br /><br />3. One of the earliest European documents that highlighted criminal law is the Code of Hammurabi, dating back to around 1754 BC. This ancient Babylonian code of law is one of the oldest and most complete legal codes in existence. It consists of 282 laws and covers a wide range of topics, including criminal offenses, civil disputes, and commercial transactions. The Code of Hammurabi is notable for its detailed and often harsh punishments, which were based on the principle of retributive justice, or "an eye for an eye."