Contemporary Criminal Law, Third Edition combines the traditional concepts taught in undergraduate criminal law courses with thought-provoking cases and engaging learning tools. The text covers both foundational andáemerging legal topics such as terrorism, gangs, cyber crime, and hate crimes, in a student-friendly and approachable manner. Clear explanations of criminal law and defenses are complemented by provocative, well-edited cases followed by discussion questions to stimulate critical thinking and in-class discussion.á Features and Benefits:The Third Edition includes new cases throughout, offering the most up-to-date coverage of evolving legal opinions and developments in criminal law.This textÆs student-friendly, clear style makes legal concepts approachable and manageable for undergraduate students.The popular You Decide features are based on actual cases and ask students to assume the role of a judge to arrive at a decision on the case; answers are found on the student study site.Icons throughout the book direct students to the robust student study site with state-specific supplements, self quizzes, podcasts, extra cases, answers to the You Decide scenarios, and more.Crime in the News boxes, Legal Equations, and Cases and Comments engage students with the material presented in the chapters and deepen their understanding of how criminal law functions in the real world.New to this Edition:Moving the chapter on homicide up to appear before the chapter on sexual assault, assault and battery, kidnapping, and false imprisonment. This change will reflect the organization of the other competitors in this market and allow for a nice progression from the earlier discussion of intent.Condensing the cases where possible and reducing the length of the Crime in the News boxes to enhance the perception that the text is manageable for undergraduate students.Replacing the Core Concepts and Summary Statements at the beginning of the chapters with a chapter outline and learning objectives. Swapping in the most up-to-date cases and news, with a particular emphasis on increasing the number of cases that touch on hot topics such as gangs, cybercrime, and homelessness. Deleting the state-specific Statutory Standards discussions, but retaining the coverage of the Model Penal Code.

Preface
Chapter 1. The Nature, Purpose, and Function of Criminal Law
Appendix: Reading and Briefing Cases
Chapter 2. Constitutional Limitations
Chapter 3. Punishment and Sentencing
Chapter 4. Actus Reus
Chapter 5. Mens Rea, Concurrence, Causation
Chapter 6. Parties to Crime and Vicarious Liability
Chapter 7. Attempt, Conspiracy, and Solicitation
Chapter 8. Justifications
Chapter 9. Excuses
Chapter 10. Homicide
Chapter 11. Criminal Sexual Conduct, Assault and Battery, Kidnapping, and False Imprisonment
Chapter 12. Burglary, Trespass, Arson, and Mischief
Chapter 13. Crimes Against Property
Chapter 14. White-Collar Crime
Chapter 15. Crimes Against Public Order and Morality
Chapter 16. Crimes Against the State
Notes
Glossary
Case Index
Subject Index
About the Author