Description
Book SynopsisAn Interdisciplinary Approach
Criminal Law provides students with an integrated framework for understanding the U.S. criminal justice system with a diverse and inclusive interdisciplinary approach and thematic focus. Authors Katheryn Russell-Brown and Angela J. Davis go beyond the law and decisions in court cases to consider and integrate issues of race, gender, and socio-economic status with their discussion of criminal law. Material from the social sciences is incorporated to highlight the intersection between criminal law and key social issues. Case excerpts and detailed case summaries, used to highlight important principles of criminal law, are featured throughout the text. The coverage is conceptual and practical, showing students how the criminal law applies in the real worldnot just within the pages of a textbook.
Trade Review"It has an engaging style and includes great examples to help students understand concepts. The authors have done a fine job in making an often ‘dry’ subject exciting for the student." -- Robert Lockwood
"Each of the authors has a fascinating legal background, and clearly knows their area of the law." -- Kathleen Nicolaides, JD
"Good use of cases for facilitation of discussion as well as resources for the student as they continue their academic journey...Great work!" -- Pamela Chambers
"It is an excellent book" -- Barry R. Langford
"It was a good read, it covered all the necessary topics with great explanation." -- Richard Colangelo
"It is structured very similarly to how I like to teach my course. I like it much better than my current text as it works on the student’s analytical skills." -- Becky Kohler da Cruz
"The authors have done a good job of using hypothetical problems, cases, and discussion questions to involve students in the learning process. They have presented the material in a clear and understandable fashion for senior level students." -- Robert Lockwood
"The liberal use of case law to illustrate the concepts, which were clearly described, really adds to the value of this text." -- Tim Robicheaux
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction and Overview of Criminal Law Criminal Law Terms and Concepts Sources of Criminal Law Classifications, Distinctions, and Limitations in Criminal Law Crime and People in the Criminal Justice System The Structure of the Criminal Justice System Case Briefing Chapter 2: Constitutional Limits on Criminal Laws First Amendment Second Amendment Fifth Amendment Eighth Amendment Fourteenth Amendment Right to Privacy Chapter 3: The Elements of a Crime A Voluntary Act (Actus Reus) Guilty State of Mind (Mens Rea) Concurrence and Causation Strict Liability Chapter 4: Incomplete Crimes Attempt Solicitation Conspiracy Merger Doctrine Other Incomplete Offenses Chapter 5: Theft and Other Property Offenses Larceny and Theft Embezzlement False Pretenses Burglary Arson White-Collar Crime Chapter 6: Public Order Crimes and Offenses Against Public Decency Public Order Crimes Crimes Against Public Decency Chapter 7: Rape and Other Violent Crimes Rape and Other Sexual Assaults Robbery Kidnapping Assault and Battery Chapter 8: Criminal Homicide Definitions Intentional Killings Unintentional Killings Felony Murder Capital Punishment Chapter 9: Justification Defenses Types of Defenses Defensive Force Duress and Necessity Chapter 10: Excuse Defenses Competency and Insanity Infancy Intoxication Syndrome “Defenses” Cultural Defenses Chapter 11: Punishment and Sentencing Punishment Prisoners’ Rights Sentencing Chapter 12: State-Involved Crimes Crimes Against the State Crimes Committed by Public Officials
