This book offers a comprehensive survey of the major concepts and doctrines in criminal law, describing both the common law and the Model Penal Code approaches to each issue. A unique feature of this book is that the cases used to illustrate major concepts are designed to be provocative and teachable. The facts of virtually every case lend themselves to creative teaching and lively class discussion and will stick in the memories of both instructor and students. Meanwhile, the lucidly organized notes following the cases deliver both doctrine and interesting highlights clearly and concisely.

The new edition also incorporates the most recent significant cases and scholarship, including recent application of traditional criminal law concepts in more complex "modern" contexts such as white collar crime. Special features of the book include: