Includes bibliographical references and index.

The nature and history of criminal law -- Criminal liability and the essence of crime -- Expanding the concept of crime -- Extending criminal liability : inchoate offenses and parties to crime -- Justifications as defenses -- Defenses : excuses and insanity -- Legal and social dimensions of personal crime : homicide -- Legal and social dimensions of personal crime : assault, battery, and other personal crimes -- Legal and social dimensions of property and computer crimes -- Offenses against public order and the administration of justice -- Terrorism and human trafficking -- Offenses against public morality -- Victims and the law -- Punishment and sentencing.

This book is designed to introduce readers to the fundamental nature of law, to give them an overview of general legal principles, and to help them develop a special understanding of the historical development of criminal law and its contemporary form and function in today's American society. Real stories and photographs of contemporary situations and issues bring the content to life, and Capstone Cases provide insights into the everyday workings of American jurisprudence and illustrate the logic by which appellate decisions are made. This volume provides complete coverage of the nature and history of criminal law, criminal liability and the essence of crime, the concept of crime, justifications as defenses, excuses as defenses, the defense of insanity, legal and social dimensions of homicide, assault, battery, and other personal crimes, property and computer crimes, offenses against public order and the administration of justice, offenses against public morality, victims and the law, and punishment and sentencing. For individuals interested in criminal law and its function in society.