NCJ Number
88733
Date Published
1982
Length
181 pages
Annotation
This general undergraduate text on criminal law surveys its objectives, procedures for investigating crimes and arresting offenders, criminal justice processing, and constitutional rights.
Abstract
An overview emphasizes that criminal law labels crimes, prohibits the commission of crime, and provides for punishment. It also identifies types of offenses and approaches to punishment. A history of criminal law describes the unique features of U.S. law and the roles of judicial decisions and administrative rules. Other chapters discuss criteria for classifying crimes as felonies, misdemeanors, and violations; criminal intent; and types of defenses. The text reviews basic elements of the criminal justice system, with attention to the roles of Federal and State laws, the legislature, and constitutional safeguards for criminal defendants. A separate chapter explores fourth amendment restrictions on arrests and searches. The discussion of pretrial procedures explains booking procedures, bail, the fifth amendment, and plea bargaining. The steps in a criminal case from arrest through trial are outlined. Also examined are defendants' rights during trials, jury selection, and factors affecting prison sentences. The final chapters address the juvenile justice system and problems that the criminal justice system causes for victims. Each chapter includes vocabulary exercises, discussion questions, a puzzle, short quizzes, tables, examples, and a summary. The text provides a model penal code, a glossary, and an index.