Comprehensive Criminal Procedure in Focus - Todd A. Berger

Comprehensive Criminal Procedure in Focus ISBN 9781454883074

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Comprehensive Criminal Procedure in Focus offers today’s law students a clear, in-depth introduction to criminal procedure, using an innovative approach that blends doctrinal coverage with practical, real-world application. With a strong pedagogical foundation, this text equips students with both the knowledge and tools they need to excel.

Structure and Content Overview:

• Part I: Introduction to Criminal Procedure
  • Chapter 1 introduces criminal procedure, distinguishing it from substantive criminal law and outlining the investigative and adjudicative stages.
  • Chapter 2 explores the various sources of criminal procedure law.
• Part II: Investigative Criminal Procedure
  • Chapters 3–6 each focus on key areas of Fourth Amendment law.
  • Chapter 7 examines interrogation law, including Miranda and its progeny.
  • Chapter 8 covers the legal standards surrounding eyewitness identifications.
• Part III: Adjudicative Criminal Procedure
  • Chapters 9–10 cover charging decisions and pretrial release.
  • Chapter 11 discusses case screening mechanisms.
  • Chapter 12 focuses on the right to counsel, including effective assistance.
  • Chapter 13 examines discovery rights of the defense and prosecution.
  • Chapter 14 addresses common pretrial motion issues.
  • Chapter 15 explores guilty pleas and plea bargaining.
  • Chapter 16 discusses trial procedures and strategic considerations.
  • Chapter 17 covers sentencing principles.
  • Chapter 18 addresses Double Jeopardy protections.
  • Chapter 19 concludes with rights to appeal and collateral review.

Key Features:

• Clear, Author-Written Explanations
  Focus titles emphasize accessible explanations of doctrine. Berger presents criminal procedure not just as a set of rules but also as a field ripe for policy discussion, allowing instructors to tailor class discussions to their goals.
• Carefully Selected Cases with Commentary
  Leading cases are paired with framing questions and post-case analysis to support understanding and classroom discussion.
• Practice-Oriented Tools
  “Real Life Applications,” “Applying the Rules,” and “Criminal Procedure in Practice” hypotheticals—many drawn from actual cases—encourage critical thinking and practical application.
• Comprehensive Coverage
  The text thoroughly addresses topics from investigation through sentencing and appeal, offering full-spectrum coverage in a single volume.
• Multiple Perspectives
  Exercises throughout the book ask students to consider legal issues from the viewpoints of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, defendants, and victims—making the material more engaging and realistic.
• Integrated Doctrinal Approach
  Cross-references between topics and chapters highlight how concepts interact across stages of the criminal justice process.

Comprehensive Criminal Procedure in Focus provides the doctrinal depth, analytical skills, and practical insights students need to navigate both exams and real-world criminal practice. With its combination of clarity, breadth, and application, this text is an essential resource for criminal procedure courses.

Berger Comprehensive Criminal Procedure in Focus ISBN 9781454883074 & 978-1454883074