Building on the strengths of previous editions, Criminal Law (8th Edition) integrates updated cases and new real-world examples to provide a student-friendly but comprehensive introduction to the subject. The authors capture the most significant recent developments, including discussions of state and federal statutes, appellate court decisions, and trials, while continuing to emphasize the common-law background and constitutional foundations of criminal law.

The book is organized into twelve insightful chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of criminal law, from basic concepts (e.g., elements of and parties to crimes) to various types of defenses against criminal charges. This edition also features robust pedagogical tools to enhance student comprehension, including chapter outlines, learning objectives, key terms, case-in-point boxes, and thought-provoking discussion questions.

Key Updates to This Edition:

• Expands coverage of the legal constraints on policing (Chapter 2)

• Covers the changing legal environment across federal and state jurisdictions with respect to abortion (Chapter 3 and Chapter 4)

• Covers freedom of speech as it relates to protests and demonstrations (Chapter 3 and Chapter 10)

• Discusses recent changes to gambling and drug laws - i.e., legalization of sports gambling and marijuana (Chapter 8)

• Provides greater treatment of the defenses of necessity, duress, and self-defense (Chapter 12)

This makes an ideal text for students of criminal justice, legal studies, political science, and paralegal studies as well as an invaluable reference for the criminal justice professional.