NCJ Number
183410
Date Published
2000
Length
387 pages
Annotation
This text reviews California criminal law, explains the conduct that represents criminal behavior, and aims also to provide a reference for personnel involved in the administration of justice.
Abstract
The first two chapters detail the historical development of criminal law, the function of criminal law in a democratic society, the classification and punishment of crimes, the spirit of the law versus the letter of the law, the difference between torts and crimes, and the elements of a crime. They also discuss criminal intent, crimes of accessories or principals, legal research and research methods, attorney general opinions, police powers, judicial decisions, general and specific sources of law, Federal constitutional provisions, the development of California statutory law, city and county ordinances, and the California Victims’ Bill of Rights. Further chapters focus on the capacity to commit crimes, inchoate defenses, specific property crimes, specific crimes against persons, sex offenses, juvenile codes, juvenile procedures, and crimes against children. Additional chapters detail alcohol and drug laws, general criminal statutes, crimes against the justice system, counterfeiting, weapons violations, regulatory crimes and other misconduct, and computer-related crimes. Index and appended index of code sections