Drawing from author Stephanie A. Jirard's vast experience in both the courtroom and the classroom, this book gets students to think critically about real-world issues often overlooked in traditional texts, such as working with informants, determining if a defendant is intellectually disabled, using computer algorithms to determine an appropriate sentence, and figuring out the difference between criminal cyberbullying and legal freedom of expression. Written in an accessible and engaging tone, this text presents criminal law and procedure as an exciting opportunity to have a direct, positive impact on our communities and the criminal justice system.