For courses in Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, and Policing.  

The first of its kind, this book has taken on the monumental task of explaining what the criminal statutes mean. Appropriate for a broad audience, it is a must for anyone attempting to understand and apply the United States criminal statutes. It contains hundreds of criminal statutes–in complete verbatim text–ranging from the well-known, basic offenses to the uncommon criminal laws that are rarely invoked. Chapters are accompanied by illustrative stories and practical application sections that draw readers in and help them apply statutes to realistic situations.  With national appeal, this practical guide makes the penal code a more interesting and educational tool.