Fundamentals Of Criminal Law

This book explores the philosophical underpinnings of the law's major doctrines concerning actus reus, mens rea, and defences, showing that they are not always driven by culpability but are grounded also in principles of moral responsibility, ascriptive responsibility, and wrongdoing.

Fundamentals of Criminal Law: Caught in the Act offers an accessible, comprehensive and contemporary survey of the field. With a focus on the current state of the law and on contemporary problems that matter to students, all presented in way that piques curiosity and interest, this book will cover topics such as hate crime, free speech, human trafficking, firearms possession and use, self-defense, cybercrime, and Internet stalking. Author Daniel E. Hall has written engaging content to help students think critically about how criminal acts are defined, defended, and determined. Built around a conversational narrative, the concepts and optional case studies connect to real life. There is also a clear emphasis on cases and examples that are relevant to criminal justice majors and future practitioners, such as litigation against police and correctional officers, terrorism, the death penalty, corporal punishment in prisons, etc.

The criminal justice system is a key social institution pertinent to the lives of citizens everywhere. Fundamentals of Criminal Justice: A Sociological View, Second Edition provides a unique social context to explore and explain the nature, impact, and significance of the criminal justice system in everyday life. This introductory text examines important sociological issues including class, race, and gender inequality, social control, and organizational structure and function.

Fundamentals of Criminal Law and Procedure for Paralegals focuses on providing the skills and knowledge students need to function effectively in careers related to criminal law. From investigation and discovery, to trial and sentencing, this text traces every step of the way through five hypothetical criminal cases that illustrate procedure, raise discussion questions, and engage students in skill-building exercises. Realistic and practical, the text engages students with discussions of the criminal justice system, the role of police and lawyers, the basic principles of criminal law, constitutional limitations, and trial procedures. New to the Second Edition: The book now covers Legal Defenses before Discovery and Disclosure, more accurately reflecting real world practice. Expanded coverage on the handling of cases involving driving under the influence, police officers’ use of excessive force, sexual offenses, and diversion programs offered by specialized courts. New Chapter 15 on Related Proceedings, covering Collateral Remedies, Clemency, Removing and Limiting Access to Criminal Records, Recovery of Seized Assets and Challenging Summary Suspensions of Driver’s Licenses. Revisions to make the text even more accessible to students, with learning objectives in every chapter and carefully edited discussions of key concepts. The title of the book has been changed to more accurately reflect the content of the book. Professors and students will benefit from: A logical three-part organization: Criminal Law: The criminal justice system, principles of criminal law, and types of criminal offenses Criminal Procedure: From commission of the offense to plea bargaining Criminal Procedure: Trials and their aftermath An emphasis on the role of paralegals, lawyers, and law enforcement in criminal cases Five hypothetical cases woven throughout the text that illustrate procedure, raise discussion questions, and offer opportunities for research exercises Coverage of both white collar and “street crime,” from both state and federal perspectives Excerpts from statutes, court opinions, investigative reports, and pleadings Strong pedagogy, including discussion questions, application exercises, marginal definitions, and end-of-chapter review questions. Assignments that mirror the tasks a paralegal would perform in a prosecutor or defense counsel’s office

Forensic psychologists and psychiatrists are increasingly asked to provide expertise to courts and attorneys in the criminal justice system. To do so effectively, they must stay abreast of important advances in the understanding of legal standards as well as new developments in sophisticated measures and the methods for their assessment. Fundamentals of Forensic Practice is designed to address the critical issues that are faced by mental health experts in their role of conducting assessments, presenting findings, and preparing for challenges to admissibility and credibility. Uniquely practical and comprehensive, this volume operationalizes legal standards and describes empirically validated methods for their evaluation. Not only is this essential for mental health professionals, but it is equally valuable to criminal attorneys. Lawyers require both clinical knowledge and understanding of legal standards in order to prepare their own experts and to challenge those on the opposing side. For both clinical and legal experts Fundamentals of Forensic Practice offers a full view of all phases of criminal proceedings: - Pretrial—diversion, determinations of bail, waivers of Miranda rights, and the capacity to consent to searches. - Trial—competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility. Beyond insanity, the latter addresses mens rea, automatism, and psychological context evidence, such as battered-woman syndrome. - Post-trial—sentencing, capital sentencing, competency to be executed, and other post-conviction issues. Other key features include: - Chapters on specific criminal issues in a consistent format, with comprehensive coverage of legal standards and relevant clinical methods - Guidelines for conducting more effective forensic evaluations - In-depth coverage of specialized assessments, eg. malingering, sexual predator cases, and the insanity defense. - A detailed overview of direct and cross-examination strategies This book is the second collaboration between Rogers and Shuman. As individual authors, each received the American Psychiatric Association’s prestigious Guttmacher Award for their outstanding contributions to forensic psychiatry.