Criminal Justice Practice Exam

The criminal law of the United States is primarily derived from the laws of which country?

1. Israel

2. Colonial America

3. Sumer

4. England

The correct answer is: England

The criminal law of the United States is primarily derived from the laws of England. This connection originates from the colonial period when the American colonies were under British rule. English common law, which developed through customs and court rulings rather than written statutes, served as the foundational legal system for many American legal principles. When the United States gained independence, it adopted and adapted many aspects of English common law to fit the new nation's values and needs. The structure of U.S. criminal law reflects this heritage, including concepts such as crimes, defenses, and the rights of accused individuals. The influence of English law can still be seen today in the legal system, including procedures and the presumption of innocence. The other options, while significant in their own contexts, do not reflect the primary source of U.S. criminal law as directly as English law does. For instance, Israel's legal system is based on a combination of biblical, Ottoman, British, and modern civil law, which is distinct from the English roots of U.S. law. Similarly, while Colonial America developed unique legal practices, they were themselves influenced by English law rather than being a primary source. Lastly, Sumer, an ancient civilization, contributed to the evolution of law through its own codes (