The Criminal Law Handbook: Know Your Rights, Survive the System

Paul Bergman, Sara Berman

NOLO, Aug 14, 2009 - Law - 680 pages

Criminal law rules and procedures, explained in plain English.

The criminal justice system becomes increasingly complex each year as new laws and decisions can change legal standards dramatically. And at a time when even law enforcement is being affected by hiring freezes and budget cuts, the result is fewer resources and public programs for those accused of crimes, and their friends and families. That's why it's crucial that you have access to clear and complete explanations of all aspects of criminal law and procedure.

The Criminal Law Handbook answers your questions about every part of a criminal case, from cops to crooks. Find out everything you've ever wanted to know about how the system works, and the how and why police, lawyers and judges doing what they do. It covers:

arrests

booking

preliminary hearings

charges

bail

courts

arraignment

search and seizure

defenses

evidence

trials

plea bargains

sentencing

juveniles, and

"crimespeak," the language commonly used in criminal statutes.

The revised 11th edition covers all new Supreme Court rulings, as well as completely updated, meticulously researched changes to case law and new information on domestic violence law.

What people are saying

LibraryThing Review

User Review  - jaimelesmaths - LibraryThing

If you want to really get the law you see on TV's "Law and Order," this is the reference for you. Clear explanations and examples of most topics presented in a logical question and answer format. My ...

The criminal law handbook: know your rights, survive the system

User Review  - Not Available - Book Verdict

An excellent and balanced guide to the state court criminal justice process, this book does not detail the differences of being charged in federal court, such as federal sentencing guidelines. Authors ...

About the author

Paul Bergman is a Professor of Law at the UCLA School of Law and a recipient of a University Distinguished Teaching Award. His recent books include Reel Justice: The Courtroom Goes to the Movies (Andrews & McMeel); Trial Advocacy: Inferences, Arguments, Techniques (with Moore and Binder, West Publishing Co.); and Represent Yourself In Court and The Criminal Law Handbook (both with Berman-Barrett, Nolo). He has also published numerous articles in law journals, and regularly gives presentations on how law and lawyers are portrayed in film.

Sara J. Berman is a professor at Concord Law School and co-founder of PASS Bar Review. She is the co-author of Represent Yourself in Court and The Criminal Law Handbook and the author of numerous articles and law course materials.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Criminal Law Handbook: Know Your Rights, Survive the System
• Authors: Paul Bergman, Sara Berman
• Edition: 11
• Publisher: NOLO, 2009
• ISBN: 1413315054, 9781413315059
• Length: 680 pages
• Subjects: Law / Criminal Law / General; Law / Criminal Procedure