Criminal Law: Cases and Materials

Abstract

This casebook addresses the fundamental topic of criminal law. It examines how various justifications define their criminal offenses, as well as the basic elements common to crimes in the Anglo-American tradition. This casebook includes extensive discussion of the elements of, and defenses against, particular crimes such as murder, rape, and burglary.

The authors also examine criminal law’s role within the American legal system. In doing so, the casebook introduces readers to the interplay between criminal law and issues of morality. As such, the authors approach criminal law as a system of cultural meaning, and more specifically, Anglo-American criminal law as a reflection of Anglo-American moral culture.

Keywords: criminal law, sources of criminal law, moral culture, American legal system, Anglo-American tradition, rape, murder, burglary, law & order, aims of criminal law, Anglo-American moral culture

JEL Classification: K14, K10, K40