The author includes an explanation of the statutes, the elements of the crimes, the limits placed on the government in the control of criminal behavior, and the fundamental role that criminal law plays in society. Listed at the beginning of each chapter are the essential elements of the major crime discussed in that chapter. Many of the section titles have a Texas Penal Code (TPC) reference after the title. The introductory chapter focuses on the objectives of the Texas Penal Code, crimes, elements of a crime, jurisdiction, construction of the code, definitions, pre-emption, criminal episode, and punishment. Other chapters focus on the following topics: responsibility and culpability, assault crimes, criminal homicide, theft offenses, burglary and arson, sexual offenses, defenses to criminal behavior, dangerous weapons, alcohol and drug crimes, public order offenses, public decency offenses, and organized crime. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter present scenarios that require the student to determine whether or not a crime was committed and, if so, what law applies. Table of cases and a subject index