Criminal Procedure, 4th (West's Criminal Practice Series)

Focusing on the pattern used by most states, the authors of Criminal Procedure provide step-by-step guidance through the typical state court criminal justice system. They explore every facet of criminal procedure from pre-arrest to pretrial, trial, postconviction, and appellate proceedings. Footnote documentation citing pivotal Supreme Court decisions is included. Topics covered include:

• Detection and investigation of crime
• Search and seizure and restrictions
• The scope and application of the Miranda rule
• The Sixth Amendment
• The adversary system and the determination of guilt and innocence
• Postconviction reviews
• Habeas corpus
• And more

• Analyzes the law governing all of the major steps in the criminal justice process, starting with investigation and ending with postappeal collateral attacks
• Identifies the critical issues, exploring their dimensions, and identifying and critiquing actual and proposed solutions
• Shows the pattern in choices made across the country, especially by legislation or court rules, when constitutional doctrine permits significantly alternative standards and procedures
• Goes beyond “the law” as it currently stands, exploring as well its historical roots and underlying policies