Criminal Law Today

by Frank J. Schmalleger, Daniel E. Hall, John J. Dolatowski

The fourth edition of "Criminal Law Today" presents a comprehensive, accessible, and up-to-date introduction to the basics of criminal law. The text provides students with the tools and information they need to gain an understanding of the fundamental nature of law, general legal principles, the historical development of criminal law, and its form and function in American society today. Key features are case excerpts that illustrate important legal themes in the context of the chapter topics.

Genres: School

557 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a required textbook for my "Introduction to Criminal Law" college class.

It wasn't exactly exciting reading, and yes I know it was a textbook. However, the book does spark interest in the subject.

The book covers the nature and history of criminal law; the criminal liability and essence of crime; expanding the concept of crime; extending the criminal liability; defense justifications; defense excuses; insanity defense; legal and social dimensions of crimes against the persons - homicide, assault, battery, and other crimes; legal and social dimensions of property and computer crimes; offenses against public order and the administration of justice; offenses against public morality; victims and the law; and rounding out with punishment and sentencing.

The book goes in depth with capstone cases for reference and even includes a copy of the Constitution of the United States.

[Jaci · Rating 3 out of 5]

As far as textbooks goes, this wasn't the worst. I didn't sell it back, which is generally a good indication as to whether or not I plan on referencing it again in the future, so it sits on my bookshelf today.