Criminal Law: The Basics, Second Edition

With succinct coverage, lucid writing, and a cogent thematic framework, Criminal Law: The Basics is ideal for introducing the concepts of criminal law. The author not only familiarizes readers with the history, sources, and concepts of criminal law but also challenges them to engage more deeply with the material.

Balancing theory and practice, this dynamic text features:

• appropriate coverage that focuses on the basic building blocks of substantive criminal law
• a thematic framework that sheds light on the legacy of England's common law in the United States and the role of federalism in shaping American criminal law
• clear explanations of basic theory
• exercises in identifying the elements of many substantive criminal offenses
• carefully edited, high-interest appellate opinions, with discussion of key principles, to elucidate both the what and the why of criminal law
• judicious use of statutory material that reflects how the legislature, not the courts, primarily defines what is criminal and determines sentencing options
• clear and concise writing that doesn't oversimplify the topic or overwhelm the reader
• experienced authorship reflecting Frank A. Schubert's rich experience as a practitioner and professor
• an Appendix that includes a procedural primer that explains the differences between bench trials to the court and jury trials, and each of the stages of a criminal trial
• a companion website featuring additional cases, statutes, opinions, and more for each chapter in the printed text

Criminal Law: The Basics skillfully combines timely cases, statutes, text, and a rich pedagogy written with students in mind.