NCJ Number
221647
Date Published
2006
Length
763 pages
Annotation
This textbook provides students with an appreciation for the fundamental nature of law, an overview of general legal principles, and an understanding of the historical development of criminal law and its contemporary form and function in American society.
Abstract
A chapter on the nature and history of criminal law considers the features and purpose of law, historical sources of current law, the Federal system, and the Model Penal Code. This is followed by a chapter on criminal liability and the essence of crime. A section on the adversarial system addresses standards of proof and criminal liability; and a section on the legal essence of criminal conduct discusses the criminal act, the offender's state of mind, and concurrence. Chapter 3 focuses on expansion of the concept of crime. It features discussions of corpus delicti, causation, resulting harm, the principle of legality, and necessary attendant circumstances. In discussing criminal liability, chapter 4 considers criminal attempt, criminal conspiracy, criminal solicitation, and parties to crime. Three chapters that address defenses to criminal charges feature justifications as defenses, excuses as defenses, and the defense of insanity. Two chapters on personal crime examine the legal and social dimensions of homicide, assault, battery, and other personal crime. A separate chapter covers the legal and social dimensions of property and computer crimes. Two chapters explore offenses against public order and the administration of justice as well as offenses against public morality. Chapters 13 and 14 focus on issues related to victims and the law along with punishment and sentencing. Each chapter has a summary, questions for discussion, legal resources on the Internet, suggested readings and classic works, and "capstone" cases. Appended U.S. Constitution, excerpts of the Model Penal Code, a glossary, table of cases, and subject index