The introduction discusses basic precepts of the legal process, fundamental concepts of criminal law, and an overview of criminal case processing. Pretrial procedures explained include the preliminary arraignment and bail, the preliminary hearing, grand jury indictment and investigating procedures, nontrial dispositions (pretrial diversionary programs, plea bargaining, and guilty pleas). Trial procedures encompass bench and jury trials. Posttrial proceedings include postverdict motions and sentencing. A review of substantive criminal law covers descriptions of various types of criminal offenses and criminal defenses. Constitutional rights of the accused encompass searches and seizures, identification procedures, self-incrimination, and speedy trial. The explanation of juvenile justice procedures addresses jurisdiction, juveniles' rights, postarrest procedure, the adjudicatory hearing, and the dispositional hearing. Pertinent processing forms, glossary, and subject index.