Ever been rear-ended? How about slipped on a banana peel? If there are damages, attorneys get involved and liability is determined based on the principles of Tort law. Torts is one of the subjects first-year students at GUCL study. It is tested on the CA Bar Exam and is a prolific practice area for attorneys. Torts matter!
Property is, in plain English, something you own. While there are many categories of property, the main two are personal and real property, each with its own rules and regulations. The basic difference between them is whether or not the property is movable. A farmhouse? Real property. A farmer's chicken? Personal property.
Criminal law deals with behavior considered an offense against society, even when the victim is an individual. Law students quickly discover how complicated it is to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and that there are a myriad of defenses even when guilt is admitted.
Contracts are common. Everyday, we accept offers or agree to terms and conditions without thinking much about it. Contracts attempt to facilitate communication and avoid misunderstandings; sometimes they're successful, other times not.