Principles of Criminal Law, 4/e

Harvey Wallace, California State University, Fresno

Cliff Roberson, Washburn University

 

This paperback text, briefer and less expensive than its competitors, presents the basic concepts and principles of criminal law.

 

Material not often found in criminal law texts–such as white collar crime, victimless crime, political crime, and non-political crimes against the government–is presented here in a straightforward, easy-to-read format.  

 

Companion materials, found at www.mycrimekit.com, include a student study guide and casebook.

• Briefer than other texts, Criminal Law is ideal for undergraduate survey courses and ensures complete coverage in one-semester courses.
• Using a narrative approach (instead of the casebook approach used in law school texts), Criminal Law clearly and concisely presents background information necessary to understand the principles involved in criminal law and sets forth the elements of the major crimes.
• Practica demonstrate real-world applications of concepts.
• Focus boxes, Sidebar boxes, Key Terms with definitions, and Learning Objectives assist both professors and students.
• Succinct edited cases in some chapters help students improve their grasp of important topics.

Using a narrative rather than a case study approach, this textbook introduces the principles of criminal law, and defines the various types of homicide, sex offenses, robbery, theft, crimes against public morals, and narcotic offenses. The third edition updates the practicums and adds study questions and exercises at the end of each chapter.
Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Principles of Criminal Law, 3rd edition is a brief text that is ideal for survey courses. The text uses a narrative approach that presents background information necessary to understand the principles involved in criminal law and set forth the elements of the major crimes. Short, succinct edited cases in certain chapters help readers improve their grasp of important topics.

Also, a Built-in Study Guide, at the end of each chapter, reviews the chapter material and asks questions designed to highlight the key principles set forth in the chapter.

Key Benefit: This brief paperback presents the basic concepts and principles of criminal law. Key Topic: The authors present the material in a straightforward and easy-to-read-and-understand format. They provide prevailing positions on specific issues, without going into lengthy explanations of majority and minority positions. This clarity of presentation allows them to include material not often found in other criminal law texts, such as white collar crime, victimless crime, political crime, and non-political crimes against the government.

<>Preface.

 

1. Sources of Criminal Law.

Punishment.

Principles of Criminal Responsibility.

Morals Versus Law.

Classification of Crimes.

Origins of Criminal Law.

Case Law.

Reform of Criminal Law.

Police Powers of Government.

 

2. Limitations on Criminal Liability.

Bill of Rights.

Eighth Amendment.

Due Process.

Jurisdiction.

Social Harm.

Right to Privacy.

Legality.

Equal Protection.

Double Jeopardy.

 

3. Basic Requirements of a Criminal Act.

Act-Actus Reus.

Intent-Mens Rea.

Joinder of Intent and Act.

Causation.

Vertical Growth of Criminal Codes

 

4. Inchoate or Anticipatory Crimes and Criminal Liability.

Introduction

Attempt.

Solicitation.

Conspiracy.

Accomplices and Accessories.

Comparing and Contrasting Inchoate Crimes.

 

5. Defenses.

Criminal Responsibility.

Justification and Excuse.

Procedural Defenses.

 

6. Homicide.

Murder.

Felony-Murder.

Voluntary Manslaughter.

Involuntary Manslaughter.

Negligent Manslaughter.

Special Problems in Homicide.

Comparing and Contrasting Homicides.

 

7. Sex Offenses.

Rape.

Sodomy and Oral Copulation.

Other Sexual Acts and Offenses.

 

8. Other Crimes against Persons.

Kidnapping.

False Imprisonment.

Trafficking in Humans

Assault and Battery.

Aggravated Assault and Battery.

Mayhem.

 

9. Robbery, Extortion and Bribery.

Robbery.

Extortion.

Special Problems in Robbery and Extortion.

Bribery.

 

10. Theft and Other Crimes Involving.

Property.

Larceny.

Embezzlement.

False Pretenses.

Consolidation of Theft Offenses.

Receiving Stolen Property.

Forgery.

Money Laundering.

Counterfeiting.

Identity Theft.

 

11. Crimes against Habitation.

Burglary.

Arson.

Special Problems in Crimes against Habitation.

 

12. Crimes against Public Morals.

Obscenity.

Prostitution.

Games of Chance.

Internet Gambling.

Public Corruption.

 

13. Narcotic and Alcohol Offenses.

Narcotic Offenses.

Alcohol Offenses.

Solutions.

14. Special Crimes.

Introduction.

Child Abuse.

Elder Abuse.

Spousal Abuse.

15. Sentencing and Punishment.

Introduction to Sentencing.

Types of Sentences.

Incarceration and Its Alternatives.

Victim Rights.

The Death Penalty.

Case Index.

 

Subject Index.