Maybe it was the O.J. Simpson trial, or maybe it's just because I am fascinated with what happens to people under the burden of law, but I love criminal law.
My book, Rights of the Accused, for Chelsea House Publishers, allowed me to do the type of research that really sucks me in? Supreme Court case studies? anecdotal stories about the difficult-to-answer questions that make law so interesting; real evidence of the pull that exists between people's rights and the welfare of society. Each decade seems to interpret these rules and provisions somewhat differently. For this reason, the court's stress either law and order, or individual rights. This remarkable balancing act is in a constant state of criticism and, like the pundits, I am not finished with this topic by a long shot.
Here are a couple principles and facts for you to consider:
- It is better for a hundred guilty men to go free, than one innocent man to go to prison.
- All criminal offenses have a statute of limitations except homicide.
- Burden of proof—in every criminal case the burden of proof is on the state and the state (meaning, the "prosecutor") must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
- 4 Reasons for criminal punishment (prison): 1-deterrence (to stop) 2-incapacitation (to isolate) 3-retribution (to punish) 4-rehabilitation (to save).
Thinking that the criminal justice system might have a career for you? Are you already working and wondering if this is something that you might like to check out? I'd suggest that if you are the type of person who can study independently, and you enjoy coursework where you can take your time, in your own time, perhaps an online school might be the answer. There are all types of students who can benefit from distance learning. For more Information take a look at these, maybe one is right for you?
http://www.guidetoonlineschools.com/criminal_justice.html
Rights of the Accused Hardcover, $21.95 retail; 136 pages, ISBN: 0-7910-4303-7 Chelsea House Publishers
Legal Ease: A Guide to Criminal Law, Evidence, and Procedure. Available from Charles C. Thomas Publishers, Ltd., for criminal justice professionals and law students.
A book for writer's called
Making Crime Pay:The Writer's Guide to Criminal Law, Evidence and Procedure published by Allworth Press!
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