Criminal Law In A Nutshell

This book covers the main topics to be found in the vast majority of criminal law courses and gives an up-to-date, concise overview of the subject, as well as including key statutes and caselaw. The book also incorporates the recommendations in the Draft Criminal Code, Law Commission Working Papers and Reports.

The Nutshell is intended as an introduction for students taking a first course in international criminal law as well as practitioners with little or no familiarity with the field. After a brief introduction to the history of international criminal law (from its origins through Nuremburg to the ad hoc tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda), it summarizes basic principles of international accountability (such as the doctrine of "legality") and concepts of international criminal jurisdiction (including "universal" jurisdiction). Several chapters focus on the International Criminal Court, in particular its substantive jurisdiction (genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression), modes of liability and available defenses. Additional chapters cover the purposes and procedures of extradition (and its alternatives, such as "rendition") and mutual legal assistance (obtaining evidence abroad for use in criminal cases). Attention is also given to the major "transnational crimes," including terrorism, corruption, trafficking and organized crime. The book is written so that readers will not require prior experience in the field of international law.

"This title analyzes the law governing all major steps in the criminal justice process, beginning with investigation and ending with post-appeal collateral attacks. All major themes are covered, with emphasis upon those basic issues deemed most significant in the case law and literature. Because of their special importance, leading Supreme Court opinions are given in-depth treatment."--