Differences between American and British Laws

Why is the law sometimes so different in the United States compared to Britain?

We will first define what is the law. Then, we will study the historical aspect of each country.

Law can be defined as a set of mandatory rules which is applied to all people regarding their status

The system of the United States is complex because there are different kinds of laws: national, Federal, and state laws.

Every citizen must follow national laws. On the opposite, State laws can only be applied in the State.

In the United Kingdom, we distinguish substantive laws and procedural laws. Substantive law defines how a case will be handled while procedural laws define the step-by-step process that the case will undergo.

In the United States, you should drive on the right side of the road whereas it is on the left in England.

This matter should be explained by the history of each country.

At the end of the 18th century, an American chariot didn’t include a seat for the driver. The latter therefore sat on the last horse, on the left, so that he could easily use the whip with his right hand and reach all the horses. Also, it was easier to drive on the right to be able to turn around and check that the wheels do not touch when crossing another carriage

In England, narrowed roads explained the use of another type of carriage. It was equipped with only two horses and a seat. Then, it was then easier for the coachman to get to the right to hold his whip without hindering a possible passenger.

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