Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

Which type of law involves both civil and criminal statutes?

1. Regulatory law

2. Statutory law

3. Constitutional law

4. Case law

The correct answer is: Statutory law

Statutory law is the appropriate choice because it encompasses laws that are enacted by legislative bodies at the federal, state, or local level, and includes both criminal and civil statutes. This type of law originates from codes and statutes that establish legal standards, prohibitions, and penalties, addressing both criminal behavior and civil rights or obligations. Criminal statutes define conduct that is classified as crimes and prescribe punishments for those who violate these rules, ensuring public safety and order. Civil statutes, on the other hand, dictate the rights and responsibilities of individuals in private matters, often involving disputes over contracts, property, and family law. This dual nature of statutory law makes it a fundamental aspect of the legal framework, as it governs a wide range of society’s interactions and helps maintain social order through established legal guidelines. In contrast, regulatory law generally pertains to rules created by administrative agencies and often focuses on specific industries or sectors, while constitutional law deals with the interpretation and application of the constitution. Case law is derived from judicial decisions and plays a role in interpreting statutes and constitutional principles, but it does not inherently encompass both civil and criminal statutes like statutory law does.