NCJ Number
74087
Date Published
1981
Length
318 pages
Annotation
The basic principles of substantive criminal law are explained in this textbook for police officers and students of the criminal justice system; the application of principles to the development of State laws is highlighted.
Abstract
Discussion of the historical background of criminal law considers the nature of law, crime defined, early development of criminal law, legal systems and the beginning of common law, and common law in the U.S. A review of the fundamentals of criminal law discusses morality and the law, classification of crimes, enacting and interpreting statutes, ex post facto laws, status of municipal ordinances, and corpus delicti. Under the subject of jurisdiction, the book reviews territorial aspects of jurisdiction, jurisdiction over the person and over subject matter, juvenile court jurisdiction, concurrent and overlapping jurisdiction, and venue and its relation to jurisdiction. Other chapters discuss the criminal act, including possession as an act, procuring as an act, methods used to commit the act, and causation; the mental element, including types of intent, recklessness, and negligence; and matters affecting criminal responsibility, such as consent, duress, and insanity. Also examined are assault and other related crimes; homicide; sex offenses and offenses to the family relationship, such as rape, incest, and sodomy. Theft and commercial offenses, forgery and related offenses, burglary and related offenses, arson, and traffic offenses are examined, as well as crimes involving the manufacture, sale, and use of narcotic drugs. Other offenses reviewed are false imprisonment, abduction, and kidnapping; extortion, blackmail, and bribery; and crimes affecting the judicial process, as well as crimes against the public order. The final chapter explores organized crime. All chapters inlcude discussion questions and suggested readings. A glossary and an index are provided.