NCJ Number
183722
Date Published
1998
Length
539 pages
Annotation
This book is an overview of criminal law in the United States.
Abstract
The book first addresses basic elements of criminal responsibility: constitutional restrictions, capacity (infancy, insanity, intoxication), parties to the crime and causation. This provides an adequate framework to understand the elements of most offenses. Next the book emphasizes common law crimes plus a variety of recent additions to the field. Finally, it covers what are frequently called affirmative defenses; the defendant usually has the burden of producing evidence on these issues. They range from entrapment and duress to self-defense and the authority to make an arrest or prevent a crime. Each section includes a summary, key terms, learning objectives, study questions and references. The book is divided into 14 chapters: (1) Introduction; (2) Capacity to Commit Crimes; (3) Elements of Criminal Responsibility; (4) Criminal Homicide; (5) Assault, Battery and Related Crimes; (6) Robbery, Extortion and Crimes Related to Kidnapping; (7) Sex Crimes; (8) Burglary, Arson and Related Crimes; (9) Crimes Against Property; (10) Gambling, Drugs and Commercial Sex; (11) Other Crimes; (12) Preparatory Crimes; (13) Defenses That Negate Criminal Intent; and (14) Justifications for the Use of Force. References, table of cases, index