California¿s Criminal Justice System, Third Edition, shares the history, purpose, structure, and procedures of California¿s criminal justice system. It begins with conversations about the state of crime in California, the demographics of crime, and the practices of legislative actions and direct democracy in creating state laws. The book includes discussions of criminal justice policies as well as criminal justice institutions such as policing, courts, corrections, and the juvenile justice system. Each chapter is authored by an expert in the field and highlights some of the current issues, challenges, and controversies facing California¿s criminal justice system. The authors also highlight some of the current criminal justice policies and controversies within the state, including gun policy, sex crime policy, drug policy, capital punishment, realignment, gangs, and victims¿ rights. In addition, the authors include discussions on a variety of different employment opportunities related to criminal justice and the occupational outlook for these positions. This text is appropriate for undergraduate students in introductory courses on criminal justice, law, and government, and can be used either as a supplemental text or as a stand-alone resource for students.

For anyone working within the California justice system -- attorneys, paralegals, court reporters, and law enforcement officials -- this book is an invaluable on-the-job reference. It's also a good research tool for anyone who wants to learn more about California criminal law and procedure. For attorneys practicing outside of California, this book is the perfect alternative to expensive and voluminous treatises.

This is a comprehensive casebook on California criminal law, equipping students for Socratic dialogue in class, for internships in DA and PD offices, for the bar examination, and for practice. Although the emphasis is California, the book prepares students for bar exams in all states, as well as for the Multistate bar exam. Chapter 1 introduces the criminal justice system. Chapter 2 discusses actus reus. Chapter 3 unpacks mens rea. Chapter 4 deals with causation. Chapter 5 analyzes homicide. Chapter 6 focuses on rape and other sex offenses. Chapter 7 grapples with accomplice liability. Chapter 8 addresses the inchoate offenses of solicitation, conspiracy and attempt. Chapter 9 drills down into defenses. Chapter 10 considers property crimes, plus burglary and an assortment of other offenses. Finally, Chapter 11 is devoted to sentencing, with an introduction to theories of punishment.

Through every step of a criminal action, defense-oriented guidance from top litigators lets you build a winning case. Offers the best comprehensive coverage available of California criminal law & procedure. 7 Volumes; Looseleaf; updated with revisions.