California Criminal Law: Cases and Problems / Edition 4

by Steven Shatz, Scott Howe, Amy Flynn

Overview

To view or download the 2019 Update Letter for this book, click here.

California Criminal Law focuses on the law of a single jurisdiction, with an emphasis on cases and problems as a vehicle for teaching students how to read and understand cases and statutes and construct legal arguments. Each chapter begins with an introduction, to give background to the cases and outline the issues to be explored. The cases are presented in relatively complete form, often with concurring or dissenting opinions, to give students examples of fully developed legal arguments. The 100 short problems are all taken from real cases and ask the students to develop the appropriate legal arguments based on the preceding cases. Notes, which have been kept to a minimum, are generally used to extend the students' analysis by asking them to consider policy issues raised by the cases or alternatives to the California law presented in the cases.

The book is divided into five parts. Part I introduces the course by examining the purposes of the criminal law and the constitutional framework within which legislatures define crimes and punishments. Part II addresses the elements of crimes, in general, and as to particular categories of crimes. Part III covers affirmative defenses, and Part IV covers vicarious liability. Part V concludes with a chapter on the death penalty. The Fourth Edition includes six new cases, as well as a number of new problems, reflecting the authors' commitment to teaching the current law. The book is suitable for a 3-hour or 4-hour course.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781632849427
Publisher:	Carolina Academic Press
Publication date:	07/01/2016
Edition description:	Fourth Edition
Pages:	862
Product dimensions:	7.80(w) x 10.30(h) x 1.40(d)

About the Author

Steven Shatz is the Philip and Muriel Barnett Professor of Trial Advocacy Emeritus at the University of San Francisco School of Law.

Scott Howe is the Frank L. Williams Professor of Criminal Law at Chapman University School of Law.

Amy Flynn is the Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Law at the University of San Francisco School of Law.