Constitutional Law in Criminal Justice, Fourth Edition

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Constitutional Law in Criminal Justice, Fourth Edition presents the constitutional provisions most directly related to criminal law and procedure and demonstrates their daily impact on the attitudes, capabilities, events, and responses of legal professionals in policing, courtrooms, and federal agencies. The U.S. Constitution guides every facet of the investigation of crime and of threats to public safety and national security. To further readers’ understanding of the nature of these procedures, this book examines both the Constitution’s relevant provisions and the central developments in their interpretation by the Supreme Court and other U.S. courts. Vivid examples of the situations faced by practitioners on a daily basis bring the complexities of criminal law to life. This revised Fourth Edition includes updates based on United States Supreme Court cases, new scenarios for student discussion, and updated examples. 

New to the Fourth Edition: 

• Updated case law regarding searches of digital communications 
• New court interpretations of the “totality of the circumstances” as it relates to excessive force claims 
• The Supreme Court’s ruling regarding whether civil and criminal penalties constitute cruel and usual punishment of homeless people 
• Updated Sixth Amendment law regarding the confrontation of witnesses 
• Ongoing consideration by the Supreme Court of First Amendment Freedom of Speech cases 

Professors and students will benefit from: 

• “You Be the Judge” questions for student consideration that encourage students to consider all sides of an issue and broaden their understanding of the complexities of constitutional law in the criminal justice context
• Brief summaries of landmark Supreme Court cases that provide essential information and insight
• Relevant constitutional amendments covered in terms of both their historical basis and their interpretation and application today
• Clear writing that speaks to a wide range of readers’ interests, perspectives, and preparation; the text is accessible to both majors and nonmajors in courses at all levels
• Authorship by a practicing attorney who has litigated the issues, ensuring that the text is authentic, current, approachable, and practical
• Comprehensive information on the complexities of constitutional law relating to daily practice by courts, law enforcement, and other criminal justice professionals
• The text is further enhanced by: 
  • A logical structure and conceptual focus 
  • Learning Objectives and key term lists in each chapter 
  • Stimulating questions in each chapter to test and assess student understanding 
  • Scenarios based on real court cases