KEY BENEFIT: This book guides readers through three basic aspects of criminal law: the history of criminal law, the crimes themselves, and specific legal procedures. Offering a new organization, it presents crimes first and then procedures and highlights current events and caselaw throughout. KEY TOPICS: This edition features a new integrative case study, new You Make the Call exercises, and original source material to support classroom discussion and debate. By addressing the fundamentals of criminal law history, the Constitution, and even how media coverage impacts criminal proceedings, students can begin to explore the law in their jurisdiction and build upon the fundamental knowledge this book delivers. For paralegals, legal assistants, and individuals interested in a career in corrections or law enforcement.