An Introduction to Criminal Evidence: Cases and Concepts

by R. Alan Thompson, Lisa S. Nored, John L. Worrall, Craig Hemmens

Overview

An Introduction to Criminal Evidence: Cases and Concepts provides comprehensive and applied coverage of the rules of evidence, along with numerous case excerpts that clearly illustrate those rules. Using engaging, straightforward language, authors R. Alan Thompson, Lisa S. Nored, John Worrall, and Craig Hemmens offer an invaluable and innovative resource for both students and instructors.

Concentrating on the Federal Rules of Evidence, this distinctive text presents in-depth yet concise coverage of evidentiary law in thirteen succinct chapters. To draw students into this complex subject, the authors explain criminal evidence through a unique blend of text and case excerpts; throughout, these excerpts illuminate the rules in useful, fascinating, and often humorous examples. Helpful pedagogical resources and study aids—including discussion questions, lists of relevant websites, and a glossary of key terms—further enhance students' engagement with the material.

Ideal for courses in criminal justice and law, An Introduction to Criminal Evidence integrates theory with practice to expand and enliven this significant subject.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195332568
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	02/01/2008
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	400
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

R. Alan Thompson, Ph.D., is Associate Professor in the Department of Administration of Justice at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Lisa S. Nored, J.D., Ph.D., is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Administration of Justice at the University of Southern Mississippi.

John L. Worrall, Ph.D., is Associate Professor in the Department of Criminology at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Craig Hemmens, J.D., Ph.D., is Director of the Honors College and Professor of Criminal Justice at Boise State University.

Table of Contents

Section One: Preliminary Matters/Setting the StageChapter 1. Introduction: A Brief History of Evidence LawChapter 2. The American Criminal Court SystemChapter 3. Important Concepts Underlying Evidence LawChapter 4. Real, Demonstrative and Testimonial EvidenceChapter 5. Presumptions, Inferences and StipulationsSection Two: Criminal EvidenceChapter 6. Witness CompetencyChapter 7. Credibility and Impeachment of WitnessesChapter 8. Examination of WitnessesSection Three: Introducing Criminal Evidence in CourtChapter 9. Forms of EvidenceChapter 10. Expert Witnesses and Scientific EvidenceChapter 11. Testimonial PrivilegesChapter 12. The Hearsay RuleChapter 13. Hearsay: Exemptions and Exceptions

Editorial Reviews

"An Introduction to Criminal Evidence is simple, thorough, straightforward, and complete. It is unique in that it really includes all of the topics that should be included in a textbook on criminal evidence. The book makes bold and consistent use of the Federal Rules of Evidence, and does so in a pattern that helps in making sense of a subject often hard to really get a grasp on. The bottom line on this text is that I liked it, would use it, and would highly recommend it to others."—David E. Schulberg, Chapman University

"The general approach is excellent. The text provides enough information on each subject to both educate and stimulate students to further inquiry, striking a balance between black letter rules of law and conceptual academic matters."—A.L. McDonald, New Mexico State University at Alamogordo

From the Publisher