Legal Ease A Guide to Criminal Law, Evidence, and Procedure

This new second edition provides the reader with an expansive and practical guide to the many aspects of law. Divided into three parts, this guidebook explains the practice of law through all phases of the criminal justice system. Part One, 'Criminal Law Explained,' offers a history of law, defines criminal conduct, and explains the tools attorneys use in their practice. Part Two, “Criminal Procedure and Evidence,” details the steps required to institute a constitutional search, seizure, and arrest. This part also provides a comprehensive description of the duties and responsibilities of prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement, and court personnel. Part Three, “A Walk Through the Criminal Justice System,” takes the reader step-by-step through the process of a trial, from jury selection to verdict and sentencing and finally to the appeal process. Defendants' rights are discussed as they navigate through the criminal justice system. The ideas and principals behind our country's constitutional amendments are explained, with many case examples offered to illustrate. Additional topics address statute changes, new cases renderings, and discussion of the Patriot Act. The inclusion of a “Key Words to Define” section and a “Questions for Review and Discussion” section has been added at the end of each chapter that will prove invaluable to instructors and students.