Preface

• Jurisdiction: United States

Preface

This book is designed to be used as a textbook for paralegal courses covering criminal law and procedure. In addition to discussing the organization and function of criminal law, it covers the most common types of criminal offenses and the procedures used to enforce these criminal laws at the federal and state levels.

Because it is designed specifically for paralegals, it describes the various roles played by paralegals and focuses on providing the skills and knowledge students will need to function effectively in jobs related to criminal law. It also contains discussions of the role of police and lawyers, the basic principles of criminal law, constitutional limitations, and trial procedures that can benefit criminal justice majors, government majors, pre-law students, and anyone wishing to know more about criminal law.

As with all books of this type, the authors have been faced with the challenge of covering both federal law and variations in state laws. We have tended to focus on federal law because it is relevant to readers in all parts of the country, but we have also discussed how state laws and procedures vary. Because there are so many variations among the states, and even between judicial districts within a given state, it is imperative that readers research their own state and local statutes and procedural rules to see how they differ from the ones used as illustrations in this book. This book includes instructions and Application Exercises designed to teach readers how to find and apply the laws and procedures of their own state and local area.

Another feature that sets this book apart from many of its competitors is the extent to which we have included discussions of white-collar crime. Discussions of criminal codes, the exhibits, and the Application Exercises all include references to these types of crimes. References to juvenile law are also included where relevant.

NEW TO THIS EDITION

While covering the same topics and maintaining the same organizational structure, the third edition has expanded discussion of some of these topics and incorporates new, more current examples of how our criminal justice system works.

Some of these additions include expanding coverage of laws dealing with insurrection, rebellion, sedition and hate crimes; and prosecutions of law enforcement personnel for having violated criminal statutes while carrying out their police duties: officer kneeling on George Floyd's neck; officer shooting Daunte Wright with a...