Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

Which law includes standards set forth in the Constitution?

1. Case law

2. Criminal law

3. Constitutional law

4. Civil law

The correct answer is: Constitutional law

The correct answer is Constitutional law, as it specifically pertains to the interpretation and application of the Constitution itself. This area of law establishes foundational principles regarding the structure of government, the powers of different branches, and the rights of individuals. Constitutional law is built upon the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, meaning that any legislation or governmental action must comply with its provisions. In contrast, case law refers to the body of law established by judicial decisions that interpret statutes, regulations, and constitutional provisions, but it does not itself define the standards of governance or individual rights. Criminal law deals with offenses against the state and the penalties for those offenses and isn't directly rooted in constitutional standards, although it must also adhere to constitutional limits regarding due process and individual rights. Civil law governs disputes between individuals and entities, focusing on rights and obligations rather than constitutional mandates. Thus, while case law, criminal law, and civil law interact with constitutional principles, it is constitutional law that directly encompasses the standards set forth in the Constitution.