Description:
The criminal justice system is complicated.
Understand it and your rights.
This book demystifies the complex rules and procedures of criminal law. It explains how the system works, why police, lawyers, and judges do what they do, and what suspects, defendants, and prisoners can expect. It also provides critical information on working with a lawyer.
In plain English, The Criminal Law Handbook covers:
- search and seizure
- arrest, booking, and bail
- Miranda rights
- arraignment
- plea bargains
- trials
- sentencing
- common defenses
- working with defense attorneys
- constitutional rights
- juvenile court
- legal terms and definitions
- appeals
- public defenders
- victims' rights
The 19th edition is completely updated, covering the latest in criminal law, including U.S. Supreme Court cases.
Brief description: Paul Bergman is a Professor of Law Emeritus at the UCLA School of Law and a recipient of two University Distinguished Teaching Awards. His books include Nolo's Deposition Handbook (with Moore, Nolo); Reel Justice: The Courtroom Goes to the Movies (with Asimow, Andrews McMeel); Trial Advocacy: Inferences, Arguments, Techniques (with Moore and Binder, West Publishing Co.) Trial Advocacy in a Nutshell (West Publishing Co.); Represent Yourself in Court: How to Prepare & Try a Winning Case (with Berman, Nolo); Depositions in a Nutshell (with Moore, Binder, and Light, West Publishing Co.); Lawyers as Counselors: A Client-Centered Approach (with Binder, Tremblay, and Weinstein, West Publishing Co); Evidence Law and Practice (with Friedland and Benham); Cracking the Case Method (with Goodman and Holm, West Academic Publishing); Evidence Law and Practice (with Friedland and Benham, Carolina Academic Press); and You Matter: Ten Spiritual Commitments for a Richer and More Meaningful Life (with Rabbi Mark Borovitz, AuthorHouse). Paul has also published numerous articles in law journals. And, using clips from law-related films, he regularly gives presentations to lawyers, judges, and community groups.
Review Quotes: "An excellent and balanced guide to the state court criminal justice process..." Library Journal
"This easy-to-understand book contains everything you need to know about criminal law." Roger Cossack, Legal Analyst
"A well written, helpful guide for laypersons interested in their legal rights--straightforward, non-intimidating and informative." Laurie Levenson, Associate Dean, Loyola School of Law
Author Comments: The Criminal Law Handbook is written in an easy-to-understand question-and-answer format. It explains the criminal justice system inside and outside the courtroom. Whatever prompts your interest, the criminal justice system belongs to you. You have a right to know how it works. This book tells you what you never learned in high school civics: how the system really works.