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

The Criminal Law Handbook: Know Your Rights, Survive the System by Berman, Sara J.. paperback edition. ISBN: 9781413310535.

The criminal justice system is a complex maze, full of confusing rules and procedures. Add to this confusion the budget cuts and hiring freezes that have hit law enforcement, and the result, according to a recent Washington Post article (February 8, 2009) is, in short, “Less Cash, More Crime.” With fewer available resources and programs to assist, people accused of crimes, and their friends and families, can turn to The Criminal Law Handbook for clear and thorough explanations about every part of a criminal case. Readers, including those enchanted with contemporary cop and courtroom dramas—from CSI to The Wire—will learn everything they need to know about how the system works, and why police, lawyers and judges do what they do. It covers: • arrests, booking and preliminary hearings • charges, bail and arraignment • search and seizure • evidence and defense • trials • plea bargains and sentencing • special concerns of juvenile cases • "crimespeak," the language commonly used in criminal statutes The 11th edition has been meticulously researched and updated to reflect recent changes to criminal law, and includes information on the latest Supreme Court rulings.