Essentials of Criminal Procedure

Essentials of Criminal Procedure provides undergraduate students with an introduction to the law of criminal procedure. Departing from traditional textbook and casebook formats, it employs a hybrid approach composed of three key components. First, it uses edited Supreme Court cases (current through the 2024–25 Term) that focus on essential facts, issues, and legal reasoning, challenging students without overwhelming them. Second, explanatory text follows the cases to clarify constitutional principles, introduce additional case law, and offer discussion questions that deepen understanding of the substantive area of law presented. Third, the book incorporates both real-world and fictional scenarios through "You Be the Judge" exercises and end-of-chapter hypotheticals that can be used as written assignments or the focus of class discussions. Regardless of how they are used, these scenarios require students to apply legal knowledge critically and practically, thereby enhancing their critical thinking skills.

While instructors should find enough in these pages to give students a comprehensive introduction to criminal procedure law, as with all texts prepared for undergraduate students, this book does not attempt to cover all aspects of criminal procedure law. Instead, the book is designed to spark interest in the law's role within the justice system while enhancing critical thinking skills. At the same time, it provides instructors with a foundation to build upon and the flexibility to teach in the manner and depth they deem best.