This law school casebook is intended for use in a basic course on the substantive criminal law. The major emphasis is on what is usually referred to as the ""general part"" of the criminal law ; mental state and act, responsibility, justification and excuse, inchoate crimes, and liability for the conduct of another. There is also special emphasis upon the actual and potential contributions of the legislative branch in resolving the difficult policy questions that exist in this field. This fifth edition thus differs from its predecessor largely in the addition to the Notes and Questions throughout the book of many excerpts from newer cases and law review writings.