Criminal Law

Any true understanding of criminal law and enforcement requires a journey into not only the facts and circumstances that define the crime, but also the mental framework where criminals think. It is no easy undertaking especially since those entrusted with criminal law enforcement have to prove the various elements of each offense charged. Charging and alleging criminal conduct can be done by anyone. Proving it calls for a true justice professional who understands the definitions of those conducts classified as crimes.

Criminal law thinkers need to be adept at fact gathering and analysis. They should have the keen, unceasing ability to join these acts with the intention of the person under suspicion. But there is much more on this road to knowledge, and this edition of Criminal Law covers all the territory. First, why do we define conduct as criminal? Why and how do we become comfortable judging others who engage in certain human activity? Is our criminal law system based on some sort of truth, morality, spiritual or religious dimension or is it simply the product of human passage and enactment? This text asks the provocative and controversial criminal law questions, from abortion to post-partum blues defenses, from prostitution to the legalization of drugs. Criminal Law exposes the reader to the most often witnessed criminality and engages the reader to learn the elements of each offense.

In addition, Criminal Law delivers practical insights from various occupational perspectives, including police officers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, and victim caseworkers. In Criminal Law, the law of crimes comes alive both in text and in conversation and debate. By the end of this text, students will competently be able to tackle the wide range of issues that arise in criminal law practice, understand the nature of criminal liability and culpability, and feel comfortable about the heritage and tradition labeled the 'criminal law.'