This criminal law textbook was written for undergraduate students studying criminal law, those preparing for careers in the fields of criminal justice, political science, government, public administration, and other related fields. The text introduces students to the nature of criminal law and the vital role it plays as a policy-making tool. This text highlights the challenges facing the law especially as it continues to adapt to a rapidly changing society. The text consists of 14 chapters that include: (1) The Nature and History of Criminal Law; (2) Criminal Liability and the Essence of Crime; (3) Expanding the Concept of Crime; (4) Extending Criminal Liability; (5) Justifications as Defenses; (6) Excuses as Defenses; (7) The Defense of Insanity; (8) Legal and Social Dimensions of Personal Crime: Homicide; (9) Legal and Social Dimensions of Personal Crime: Assault, Battery, and Other Personal Crimes; (10) Legal and Social Dimensions of Property and Computer Crimes; (11) Offenses Against Public Order and the Administration of Justice; (12) Offenses Against Public Morality; (13) Victims and the Law; and (14) Punishment and Sentencing. Bringing the law to life, the text builds upon real-life chapter-opening stories, attention-getting images, “Law on the Books” boxes, and special end-of-chapter “Capstone Cases.” The text concludes with two appendices: The Constitution of the United States of America and model penal code excerpts. Glossary, table of cases, and an index