Synopses & Reviews
Criminal law in plain English.
The criminal justice system becomes increasingly complex each year with new laws affecting legal processes.
The Criminal Law Handbook explains every part of a criminal case including:
- arrests
- booking
- preliminary hearings
- charges
- bail
- arraignment
- search and seizure
- plea bargains
- sentencing
- juveniles
The revised edition covers the latest changes in criminal law, including U.S Supreme Court cases. Written by the authors of Represent Yourself in Court, Paul Bergman, J.D. and Sara Berman, J.D.
Review
""An excellent and balanced guide to the state court criminal justice process...""
Library Journal
""This easy-to-understand book contains everything you need to know about criminal law."" Roger Cossack, Legal Analyst
""A well written, helpful guide for laypersons interested in their legal rights--straightforward, non-intimidating and informative."" Laurie Levenson, Associate Dean, Loyola School of Law
About the Author
Paul Bergman is a Professor of Law at the UCLA School of Law and a recipient of a University Distinguished Teaching Award. His recent books include
Reel Justice: The Courtroom Goes to the Movies (Andrews and McMeel);
Trial Advocacy: Inferences, Arguments, Techniques (with Moore and Binder, West Publishing Co.); and
Represent Yourself In Court and
The Criminal Law Handbook (both with Sara Berman, Nolo). He has also published numerous articles in law journals and regularly gives presentations on how law and lawyers are portrayed in film. His blog on the criminal justice system can be found at The Rap Sheet: Nolo's Criminal Law Blog.
Sara J. Berman is a professor at Concord Law School and co-founder of PASS Bar Review. She is the co-author of Represent Yourself in Court and The Criminal Law Handbook and the author of numerous articles and law course materials.
Table of Contents
Introduction: A Walk-Through of the Case of State v. Andrea Davidson, a Fictional Robbery Prosecution
1. Talking to the Police
2. Search and Seizure
3. Arrest: When It Happens, What It Means
4. Eyewitness Identification: Psychology and Procedures
5. Booking and Bail: Checking In and Out of Jail
6. From Suspect to Defendant
7. Criminal Defense Lawyers
8. Understanding the Attorney-Client Relationship in a Criminal Case
9. A Walk Through Criminal Court
10. Arraignments
11. Developing the Defense Strategy
12. Crimespeak: Understanding the Language of Criminal Laws
13. Defensespeak: Common Defenses to Criminal Charges
14. Discovery: Exchanging Information With the Prosecution
15. Investigating the Facts
16. Preliminary Hearings
17. Fundamental Trial Rights of the Defense
18. Basic Evidence Rules in Criminal Trials
19. Motions and Their Role in Criminal Cases
20. Plea Bargains: How Most Criminal Cases End
21. The Trial Process
22. Sentencing
23. Appeals
24. How the Criminal Justice System Works
25. Juvenile Courts and Procedures
26. Prisoners Rules
27. Looking Up the Law
Glossary
Index