The textbook covers the rationale for and application of modern criminal law and how it evolved from common law forms. The substance of modern criminal law is discussed, as well as methods used by legal practitioners to solve real life problems. Chapters cover the historical origin of American criminal law, basic concepts of criminal law, the American legal system, the law of homicide, other offenses against the person, offenses against habitation, larceny and related offenses, forgery and fraud offenses, offenses against public order and decency, and offenses against government and justice. Chapters also deal with preliminary or inchoate crimes, parties to crime, defenses, limitations on prosecution, and contemporary issues in criminal law. Case examples and exercises are included. Tables