n the Ten Commandments, and is the same as the
law of nature taught us by our consciences.

The _common law_ consists of the principles and rules of action applied
by the courts in cases not regulated by express legislative acts. It
is the unwritten law which has been practiced for ages in England and
the United States. In all States of the Union, except Louisiana, cases
not covered by the acts of the legislature are tried by the common law.

The _civil law_ is the law that prevailed among the ancient Romans. It
is still in use among most of the nations of continental Europe. In
Louisiana it is applied to cases not covered by the laws of the
legislature. The words _civil law_ are sometimes used to denote the
law governing civil suits.

_Statute law_ consists of the acts passed by legislative assemblies.
The words are used to denote the opposite of common law. The enactment
of a statute by a State legislature repeals the common law previously
in force upon the same subject.

_International law_, often called the _law of nations_, consists of the
rules and customs prevailing between civilized nations in their
relations with one another. It is based upon the law of nature, the
law of right and wrong.

_Criminal law_ is the law governing criminal cases. It is partly
common law and partly statute law. "Ignorance of the law excuses no
one."

_Parliamentary law_ consists of the rules and customs governing
parliamentary assemblies. It prevails in all law-making bodies, in
conventions and deliberative meetings.

_Martial law_ is the law which regulates men in military service. It
prevails in the army and the navy. The courts which apply it are
called _courts martial_. Martial law is noted for its severity.

_Maritime law_, or _marine law_, is the law especially relating to the
business of the sea, to ships, their crews, and navigation. The courts
of maritime law are _admiralty courts_.

_Commercial law_ is a system of rules for the regulation of trade and
commerce. It is deduced from the customs of merchants.

COURTS.--Laws are administered, that is, explained and applied, by
means of courts. A _court_ is a body organized for the public
administration of justice. A court may consist of a single judge or
justice, or of a number of judges acting together.

A court can administer the laws only in cases which are brought before
it. The highest court in the land can not make an order or render a
judgme