Which statement is true about sources of criminal law in Nebraska?

Which statement is true about sources of criminal law in Nebraska?

• A. The U.S. Constitution provides for treason as a crime
• B. Common law crimes are recognized in Nebraska
• C. County ordinances are not criminal law
• D. Federal code does not apply to Nebraska

Answer: (A)

Treason is defined by the U.S. Constitution, not by Nebraska statutes, so its existence as a criminal offense comes from the highest law. The Constitution sets the crime and even its evidentiary rules, which means treason is a recognized offense within Nebraska’s legal framework because federal constitutional law governs it. Nebraska relies on its statutes for most crimes, with only limited influence from old common-law concepts. Local county ordinances can create criminal penalties, and federal criminal laws apply in Nebraska whenever Congress has enacted them. So the fact that treason is provided for by the Constitution best captures how Nebraska’s criminal-law sources are structured.

Treason is defined by the U.S. Constitution, not by Nebraska statutes, so its existence as a criminal offense comes from the highest law. The Constitution sets the crime and even its evidentiary rules, which means treason is a recognized offense within Nebraska’s legal framework because federal constitutional law governs it.

Nebraska relies on its statutes for most crimes, with only limited influence from old common-law concepts. Local county ordinances can create criminal penalties, and federal criminal laws apply in Nebraska whenever Congress has enacted them. So the fact that treason is provided for by the Constitution best captures how Nebraska’s criminal-law sources are structured.