Author: Nathaniel J. Pallone
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351316869
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 197
Book Description
More than half the states in this country have legislation on sex offenders that distinguishes between those whose offense is incidental to other offenses ("felony" sexual offenders), and those who engage in "repetitive, habitual, or compulsive" sex offenses ("criminal sexual psychopaths"). This second category is the subject of this book. The legislation specifies that criminal sexual psychopaths must be treated, not punished. But treatment is problematic; the literature on various approaches finds uncertainty about the effectiveness of treatment. Pallone asks the difficult question of whether there is a prospective right to effective treatment, and notes the political and ethical questions involved in potentially more effective Clockwork Orange approaches. The ethical burden on mental health clinicians is heavy; despite the fact that the category "sexual psychopath" is essentially a legal, not a psychiatric category, judges tend to follow professional recommendations as to categorization. Pallone emerges with some surprising but convincing conclusions. If the distinction between felony and psychopathic sexual offender is essentially empty, as the profession feels it is, it should be abandoned. All criminal sexual offenders should be punished, except those who opt for treatment and who are certified by mental health professionals as likely to benefit. And for those few so identified, society should be prepared to commit significant resources to their treatment. This speculation on the past, present, and future of criminal sexual deviation comes from a psychologists with a broad command of the literature and deep professional experience in the area. Combining a broad-ranging overview of the legal, criminological, and psychiatric literature on these questions, Rehabilitating Criminal Sexual Psychopaths raises important questions. Legal experts, criminologists, mental health professionals, and all those concerned with public policy will find it significant.
Rehabilitating Criminal Sexual Psychopaths
Author: Nathaniel J. Pallone
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351316869
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 197
Book Description
More than half the states in this country have legislation on sex offenders that distinguishes between those whose offense is incidental to other offenses ("felony" sexual offenders), and those who engage in "repetitive, habitual, or compulsive" sex offenses ("criminal sexual psychopaths"). This second category is the subject of this book. The legislation specifies that criminal sexual psychopaths must be treated, not punished. But treatment is problematic; the literature on various approaches finds uncertainty about the effectiveness of treatment. Pallone asks the difficult question of whether there is a prospective right to effective treatment, and notes the political and ethical questions involved in potentially more effective Clockwork Orange approaches. The ethical burden on mental health clinicians is heavy; despite the fact that the category "sexual psychopath" is essentially a legal, not a psychiatric category, judges tend to follow professional recommendations as to categorization. Pallone emerges with some surprising but convincing conclusions. If the distinction between felony and psychopathic sexual offender is essentially empty, as the profession feels it is, it should be abandoned. All criminal sexual offenders should be punished, except those who opt for treatment and who are certified by mental health professionals as likely to benefit. And for those few so identified, society should be prepared to commit significant resources to their treatment. This speculation on the past, present, and future of criminal sexual deviation comes from a psychologists with a broad command of the literature and deep professional experience in the area. Combining a broad-ranging overview of the legal, criminological, and psychiatric literature on these questions, Rehabilitating Criminal Sexual Psychopaths raises important questions. Legal experts, criminologists, mental health professionals, and all those concerned with public policy will find it significant.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351316869
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 197
Book Description
More than half the states in this country have legislation on sex offenders that distinguishes between those whose offense is incidental to other offenses ("felony" sexual offenders), and those who engage in "repetitive, habitual, or compulsive" sex offenses ("criminal sexual psychopaths"). This second category is the subject of this book. The legislation specifies that criminal sexual psychopaths must be treated, not punished. But treatment is problematic; the literature on various approaches finds uncertainty about the effectiveness of treatment. Pallone asks the difficult question of whether there is a prospective right to effective treatment, and notes the political and ethical questions involved in potentially more effective Clockwork Orange approaches. The ethical burden on mental health clinicians is heavy; despite the fact that the category "sexual psychopath" is essentially a legal, not a psychiatric category, judges tend to follow professional recommendations as to categorization. Pallone emerges with some surprising but convincing conclusions. If the distinction between felony and psychopathic sexual offender is essentially empty, as the profession feels it is, it should be abandoned. All criminal sexual offenders should be punished, except those who opt for treatment and who are certified by mental health professionals as likely to benefit. And for those few so identified, society should be prepared to commit significant resources to their treatment. This speculation on the past, present, and future of criminal sexual deviation comes from a psychologists with a broad command of the literature and deep professional experience in the area. Combining a broad-ranging overview of the legal, criminological, and psychiatric literature on these questions, Rehabilitating Criminal Sexual Psychopaths raises important questions. Legal experts, criminologists, mental health professionals, and all those concerned with public policy will find it significant.
Sex Offender Treatment
Author: Edmond J Coleman
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 131782699X
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 248
Book Description
This important volume brings together findings in the psychological and medical treatment of sex offenders. It disseminates research from experts around the world in the field of sex offender treatment, making this knowledge available to researchers and clinicians everywhere. Professionals struggling to find effective methods for treating their patients will find Sex Offender Treatment a valuable tool for their daily work.Chapters in Sex Offender Treatment cover a variety of topics. Authors examine such areas as psychodynamic and psychiatric disorders associated with the sex offender, findings on pharmacologic interventions, treatment techniques and the public perception of sex offender treatment, and cautionary notes for those who provide therapy for sex offenders. Within these areas, some specific themes addressed include: types of personality disorders and implications for more effective treatment the effectiveness of antiandrogen treatment and the promising results of other pharmacotherapies techniques for developing insight in incest perpetrators a study of adult male incest offenders’perceptions of the treatment process an adolescent treatment program using a family communication approach hypotheses regarding sexual offenders and men who batter, using psychodynamic and feminist theoryFull of practical strategies and useful information, Sex Offender Treatment is a book professionals will reach for again and again.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 131782699X
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 248
Book Description
This important volume brings together findings in the psychological and medical treatment of sex offenders. It disseminates research from experts around the world in the field of sex offender treatment, making this knowledge available to researchers and clinicians everywhere. Professionals struggling to find effective methods for treating their patients will find Sex Offender Treatment a valuable tool for their daily work.Chapters in Sex Offender Treatment cover a variety of topics. Authors examine such areas as psychodynamic and psychiatric disorders associated with the sex offender, findings on pharmacologic interventions, treatment techniques and the public perception of sex offender treatment, and cautionary notes for those who provide therapy for sex offenders. Within these areas, some specific themes addressed include: types of personality disorders and implications for more effective treatment the effectiveness of antiandrogen treatment and the promising results of other pharmacotherapies techniques for developing insight in incest perpetrators a study of adult male incest offenders’perceptions of the treatment process an adolescent treatment program using a family communication approach hypotheses regarding sexual offenders and men who batter, using psychodynamic and feminist theoryFull of practical strategies and useful information, Sex Offender Treatment is a book professionals will reach for again and again.
Sourcebook of Rehabilitation and Mental Health Practice
Author: David P. Moxley
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0306478935
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 491
Book Description
This volume addresses the promise and challenges of employment, service roles and contexts in rehabilitation and mental health practice, developing readiness for employment, sustaining employment, and responding to the needs of people coping with a range of disabilities. The book is relevant to the education of human service professionals, and will enable practitioners to expand their awareness, understanding, and knowledge of the interface of rehabilitation and mental health.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0306478935
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 491
Book Description
This volume addresses the promise and challenges of employment, service roles and contexts in rehabilitation and mental health practice, developing readiness for employment, sustaining employment, and responding to the needs of people coping with a range of disabilities. The book is relevant to the education of human service professionals, and will enable practitioners to expand their awareness, understanding, and knowledge of the interface of rehabilitation and mental health.
Sexual Offender Treatment
Author: Edmond J Coleman
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317720253
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 138
Book Description
Gain a better understanding of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of sex offenders, their crimes, and the treatments that can help them The treatment of sexual offenders varies from culture to culture and nation to nation. Sexual Offender Treatment: Biopsychosocial Perspectives assists sex therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, and psychologists working in sex offender treatment around the world in providing more effective services. This book looks at the behavior of sexual offenders and offers treatment approaches that will stimulate your thinking and help you improve your research and treatment methodologies. This valuable and informative book introduces and discusses the formation of the new International Association for the Treatment of Sexual Offenders, which will advance the existing knowledge about the nature of sexual offenders and sexual offenses, work to improve treatment methods and disseminate information about improved methods, and scientifically evaluate therapeutic methods advocate for the right of sex offenders to effective treatment. Sexual Offender Treatment: Biopsychosocial Perspectives presents an overview of recent research in the treatment of sexual offenders as presented at the 5th International Conference on the Treatment of Sexual Offenders in 1998 in Caracas, Venezuela. This book explores: the recently revised Standards of Care for the Treatment of Sexual Offenders self-perceived aggression in relation to brain abnormalities in a sample of incarcerated sexual offenders self-concepts and interpersonal perceptions of sexual offenders in relation to brain abnormalities brain abnormalities and violent behavior group family interventions for the treatment of adult male child molesters the experiences of adult and adolescent female sex offenders a 7 step system to treat pedophiles who are mentally retarded, mentally ill or physically handicapped Sexual Offender Treatment: Biopsychosocial Perspectives provides you with valuable insights and a cross-cultural viewpoint as you benefit from the expertise and experience of international scholars who have set the standards for the treatment of sex offenders.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317720253
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 138
Book Description
Gain a better understanding of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of sex offenders, their crimes, and the treatments that can help them The treatment of sexual offenders varies from culture to culture and nation to nation. Sexual Offender Treatment: Biopsychosocial Perspectives assists sex therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, and psychologists working in sex offender treatment around the world in providing more effective services. This book looks at the behavior of sexual offenders and offers treatment approaches that will stimulate your thinking and help you improve your research and treatment methodologies. This valuable and informative book introduces and discusses the formation of the new International Association for the Treatment of Sexual Offenders, which will advance the existing knowledge about the nature of sexual offenders and sexual offenses, work to improve treatment methods and disseminate information about improved methods, and scientifically evaluate therapeutic methods advocate for the right of sex offenders to effective treatment. Sexual Offender Treatment: Biopsychosocial Perspectives presents an overview of recent research in the treatment of sexual offenders as presented at the 5th International Conference on the Treatment of Sexual Offenders in 1998 in Caracas, Venezuela. This book explores: the recently revised Standards of Care for the Treatment of Sexual Offenders self-perceived aggression in relation to brain abnormalities in a sample of incarcerated sexual offenders self-concepts and interpersonal perceptions of sexual offenders in relation to brain abnormalities brain abnormalities and violent behavior group family interventions for the treatment of adult male child molesters the experiences of adult and adolescent female sex offenders a 7 step system to treat pedophiles who are mentally retarded, mentally ill or physically handicapped Sexual Offender Treatment: Biopsychosocial Perspectives provides you with valuable insights and a cross-cultural viewpoint as you benefit from the expertise and experience of international scholars who have set the standards for the treatment of sex offenders.
Criminal Behavior
Author: James Hennessy
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351524976
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 844
Book Description
Crime Statistics suggest that Americans are not a notably law-abiding people. With some 13 million felonies reported every year, it is not surprising that few topics engage public attention and imagination more compellingly than the dynamics of criminal behavior. Volume and ubiquity alone might suggest the psychology of criminal behavior is well understood and there exists an integrated body of explanatory theory and empirical evidence. But in fact only fragmentary and incomplete accounts have thus far appeared. Criminal Behavior is virtually unique in providing a comprehensive psychological paradigm that fits across variant species of crime, while meeting the requirements of science and the needs of law enforcement and administration of justice in controlling criminal behavior.The authors begin this remarkable text by outlining a model for criminal behavior based not on abnormal psychology but on the tenets of social learning theory. They illuminate the processes by which criminal activity is initiated and repeated, including personal constructs, stimulus determinants, and behavioral repertoires. They define four process elements that interact in precipitating criminal behavior-inclination, opportunity, expectation of reward, expectation of impunity. They show how these process elements are regulated and confined by a series of complex and variable boundary conditions in specific criminal offenses. Conceptual, methodological, and operational constraints on the study of criminal behavior are defined, and statistically and behavioral science data bearing upon larceny and homicide, two crimes at diametric extremes, are examined in detail.Pallone and Hennessy locate and define those psychological variables that render comprehensible the process whereby formally criminal acts are construed as possible and desirable by individual actors and show how those actors self-select psychosocial environments that facilitate or at least do not impede the commission of crime. They identify and explain the phenomenon of 'tinderbox violence.'Its comprehensive perspective and balanced consideration of competing viewpoints make Criminal Behavior an ideal text for students and teachers of criminology and of the psychology of criminal behavior. It is also a pioneering work for psychologists, sociologists, criminologists, and law-enforcement official.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351524976
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 844
Book Description
Crime Statistics suggest that Americans are not a notably law-abiding people. With some 13 million felonies reported every year, it is not surprising that few topics engage public attention and imagination more compellingly than the dynamics of criminal behavior. Volume and ubiquity alone might suggest the psychology of criminal behavior is well understood and there exists an integrated body of explanatory theory and empirical evidence. But in fact only fragmentary and incomplete accounts have thus far appeared. Criminal Behavior is virtually unique in providing a comprehensive psychological paradigm that fits across variant species of crime, while meeting the requirements of science and the needs of law enforcement and administration of justice in controlling criminal behavior.The authors begin this remarkable text by outlining a model for criminal behavior based not on abnormal psychology but on the tenets of social learning theory. They illuminate the processes by which criminal activity is initiated and repeated, including personal constructs, stimulus determinants, and behavioral repertoires. They define four process elements that interact in precipitating criminal behavior-inclination, opportunity, expectation of reward, expectation of impunity. They show how these process elements are regulated and confined by a series of complex and variable boundary conditions in specific criminal offenses. Conceptual, methodological, and operational constraints on the study of criminal behavior are defined, and statistically and behavioral science data bearing upon larceny and homicide, two crimes at diametric extremes, are examined in detail.Pallone and Hennessy locate and define those psychological variables that render comprehensible the process whereby formally criminal acts are construed as possible and desirable by individual actors and show how those actors self-select psychosocial environments that facilitate or at least do not impede the commission of crime. They identify and explain the phenomenon of 'tinderbox violence.'Its comprehensive perspective and balanced consideration of competing viewpoints make Criminal Behavior an ideal text for students and teachers of criminology and of the psychology of criminal behavior. It is also a pioneering work for psychologists, sociologists, criminologists, and law-enforcement official.
Tinder-Box Criminal Aggression
Author: Nathaniel J. Pallone
Publisher: Transaction Publishers
ISBN: 9781412840071
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 432
Book Description
The authors refine, amplify, and extend the conceptual model for understanding tinder-box criminal aggression they first introduced in Criminal Behavior. This work integrates relative contributions made by such intrapersonal characteristics as the need for serial stimulation, impairment in foresight and planfulness, and the acquisition of a taste for risk on the one hand, with such factors as child-rearing practices, vicarious conditioning, sub-cultures of violence, and the availability of mood-altering chemical substances on the other hand
Publisher: Transaction Publishers
ISBN: 9781412840071
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 432
Book Description
The authors refine, amplify, and extend the conceptual model for understanding tinder-box criminal aggression they first introduced in Criminal Behavior. This work integrates relative contributions made by such intrapersonal characteristics as the need for serial stimulation, impairment in foresight and planfulness, and the acquisition of a taste for risk on the one hand, with such factors as child-rearing practices, vicarious conditioning, sub-cultures of violence, and the availability of mood-altering chemical substances on the other hand
Explorations in Criminal Psychopathology
Author: Louis B. Schlesinger
Publisher: Charles C Thomas Publisher
ISBN: 0398076871
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 396
Book Description
When Explorations in Criminal Psychopathology: Clinical Syndromes With Forensic Implications was first published in 1996, the purpose was, in part, to correct an imbalance in the field, specifically with regard to the coverage of the important topic of psychopathology and its relationship to crime. The second edition of this book continues to address the complex approach to this very specific and important aspect of human behavior. Emphasizing on psychopathology from a clinical phenomenological perspective, with legal issues and implications playing a secondary role, an impressive group of contributors explores various disorders that have significant forensic implications. Each deals with a specific disorder or pathological process in terms of its potential relevance to criminal forensic practice. Updated and expanded articles approach these complexities largely from a psychodynamic perspective that also addresses the biological, psychological and environmental aspects of behavior. The book is divided into three parts: Part I includes five different types of psychopathology that lead to distinct overt types of behavior. Part II provides discussions of various disorders of thought resulting in criminal conduct, but not disordered thinking indicative of a formal thought disorder per se. Part III concerns borderline and psychotic-like conditions as well as malingering and deception, which are important topics in forensic practice. This book meets a need in scientific literature as a significant resource for clinicians that are confronted with rare, unusual, or novel disorders whose potential implications have been less well studied and are therefore less apparent and familiar.
Publisher: Charles C Thomas Publisher
ISBN: 0398076871
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 396
Book Description
When Explorations in Criminal Psychopathology: Clinical Syndromes With Forensic Implications was first published in 1996, the purpose was, in part, to correct an imbalance in the field, specifically with regard to the coverage of the important topic of psychopathology and its relationship to crime. The second edition of this book continues to address the complex approach to this very specific and important aspect of human behavior. Emphasizing on psychopathology from a clinical phenomenological perspective, with legal issues and implications playing a secondary role, an impressive group of contributors explores various disorders that have significant forensic implications. Each deals with a specific disorder or pathological process in terms of its potential relevance to criminal forensic practice. Updated and expanded articles approach these complexities largely from a psychodynamic perspective that also addresses the biological, psychological and environmental aspects of behavior. The book is divided into three parts: Part I includes five different types of psychopathology that lead to distinct overt types of behavior. Part II provides discussions of various disorders of thought resulting in criminal conduct, but not disordered thinking indicative of a formal thought disorder per se. Part III concerns borderline and psychotic-like conditions as well as malingering and deception, which are important topics in forensic practice. This book meets a need in scientific literature as a significant resource for clinicians that are confronted with rare, unusual, or novel disorders whose potential implications have been less well studied and are therefore less apparent and familiar.
Young Victims, Young Offenders
Author: Letitia C Pallone
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317739884
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 246
Book Description
At a time when the nation is focused on devising new responses to street crime and on reforming the juvenile justice system, this book brings together in a single volume, current and emerging perspectives on the control of crime by and against children and youth. Young Victims, Young Offenders provides you with an overview of established and emerging practices in treating juvenile offenders and adults who prey on children and youth. This book explores the nature and causes of criminal offenses committed by and against juveniles. While children and youth show up statistically as offenders, they also figure disproportionately as victims. The contributing authors consider both of these aspects as they discuss current programs for the treatment of youths who commit or are victimized by criminal offenses. Topics of a wide range are addressed in Young Victims, Young Offenders for people--like you-- who work with our nation’s youth. A sampling of topics includes: How states address child maltreatment through reporting laws and special courtroom procedures Associations between selected psychosocial variables and chronic delinquency Implications of mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Laws on treating offenders The success of diversion during a 20-year period in a youth service bureau Clinical techniques in the treatment of juvenile sex offenders A study on the effectiveness of an intervention program in Iowa for youthful offenders This book is useful for the pre-service student pursuing course work in juvenile delinquency, correctional counseling, probation, parole, and social work. At the in-service level, correctional counselors, probation officers, parole officers, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, correctional administrators, and child care workers can find much to challenge and enhance their effectiveness in their work with young victims and offenders.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317739884
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 246
Book Description
At a time when the nation is focused on devising new responses to street crime and on reforming the juvenile justice system, this book brings together in a single volume, current and emerging perspectives on the control of crime by and against children and youth. Young Victims, Young Offenders provides you with an overview of established and emerging practices in treating juvenile offenders and adults who prey on children and youth. This book explores the nature and causes of criminal offenses committed by and against juveniles. While children and youth show up statistically as offenders, they also figure disproportionately as victims. The contributing authors consider both of these aspects as they discuss current programs for the treatment of youths who commit or are victimized by criminal offenses. Topics of a wide range are addressed in Young Victims, Young Offenders for people--like you-- who work with our nation’s youth. A sampling of topics includes: How states address child maltreatment through reporting laws and special courtroom procedures Associations between selected psychosocial variables and chronic delinquency Implications of mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Laws on treating offenders The success of diversion during a 20-year period in a youth service bureau Clinical techniques in the treatment of juvenile sex offenders A study on the effectiveness of an intervention program in Iowa for youthful offenders This book is useful for the pre-service student pursuing course work in juvenile delinquency, correctional counseling, probation, parole, and social work. At the in-service level, correctional counselors, probation officers, parole officers, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, correctional administrators, and child care workers can find much to challenge and enhance their effectiveness in their work with young victims and offenders.
Responsibility and Psychopathy
Author: Luca Malatesti
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199551634
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 341
Book Description
The discussion of whether psychopaths are morally responsible for their behaviour has long taken place in philosophy. In recent years this has moved into scientific and psychiatric investigation. Responsibility and Psychopathy discusses this subject from both the philosophical and scientific disciplines, as well as a legal perspective.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199551634
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 341
Book Description
The discussion of whether psychopaths are morally responsible for their behaviour has long taken place in philosophy. In recent years this has moved into scientific and psychiatric investigation. Responsibility and Psychopathy discusses this subject from both the philosophical and scientific disciplines, as well as a legal perspective.
Criminal Law
Author: Charles P. Nemeth
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1000818772
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 791
Book Description
Criminal Law: Historical, Ethical, and Moral Foundations, 3rd edition, blends legal and moral reasoning in the examination of crimes and explores the history relating to jurisprudence and roots of criminal law. In order to fully grasp criminal law concepts, students must go beyond mere rote memorization of the penal code and endeavor to understand where the laws originate from and how they have developed. This book fosters discussions of controversial issues and delivers abridged case law decisions that target the essence of appellate rulings. Grounded in the Model Penal Code, making the text national in scope, this volume examines: Why the criminal codes originated, and the moral, religious, spiritual, and human influences that led to our present system How crimes are described in the modern criminal justice model The two essential elements necessary for criminal culpability: actus reus (the act committed or omitted) and mens rea (the mind and intent of the actor) Offenses against the body resulting in death, including murder, manslaughter, felony murder, and negligent homicide Non-terminal criminal conduct against the body, including robbery, kidnapping, false imprisonment, assault, and hate crimes Sexual assault, rape, necrophilia, incest, and child molestation Property offenses, such as larceny/theft, bribery, forgery, and embezzlement Crimes against the home, including burglary, trespassing, arson, and vandalism The book also examines controversial public morality issues such as prostitution, drug legalization, obscenity, and pornography. The final two chapters discuss inchoate offenses, where the criminal act has not been completed, and various criminal defenses, such as legal insanity, entrapment, coercion, self-defense, and mistake of fact or law. Important keywords introduce each chapter, and discussion questions and suggested readings appear at the end of each chapter, prompting lively debate and further inquiry into a fascinating subject area that continues to evolve. Updated to include the latest developments in the law, this book is appropriate for undergraduate students in criminal law and related courses.
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1000818772
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 791
Book Description
Criminal Law: Historical, Ethical, and Moral Foundations, 3rd edition, blends legal and moral reasoning in the examination of crimes and explores the history relating to jurisprudence and roots of criminal law. In order to fully grasp criminal law concepts, students must go beyond mere rote memorization of the penal code and endeavor to understand where the laws originate from and how they have developed. This book fosters discussions of controversial issues and delivers abridged case law decisions that target the essence of appellate rulings. Grounded in the Model Penal Code, making the text national in scope, this volume examines: Why the criminal codes originated, and the moral, religious, spiritual, and human influences that led to our present system How crimes are described in the modern criminal justice model The two essential elements necessary for criminal culpability: actus reus (the act committed or omitted) and mens rea (the mind and intent of the actor) Offenses against the body resulting in death, including murder, manslaughter, felony murder, and negligent homicide Non-terminal criminal conduct against the body, including robbery, kidnapping, false imprisonment, assault, and hate crimes Sexual assault, rape, necrophilia, incest, and child molestation Property offenses, such as larceny/theft, bribery, forgery, and embezzlement Crimes against the home, including burglary, trespassing, arson, and vandalism The book also examines controversial public morality issues such as prostitution, drug legalization, obscenity, and pornography. The final two chapters discuss inchoate offenses, where the criminal act has not been completed, and various criminal defenses, such as legal insanity, entrapment, coercion, self-defense, and mistake of fact or law. Important keywords introduce each chapter, and discussion questions and suggested readings appear at the end of each chapter, prompting lively debate and further inquiry into a fascinating subject area that continues to evolve. Updated to include the latest developments in the law, this book is appropriate for undergraduate students in criminal law and related courses.