Introduction to the essentials of criminal law and the most significant legal issues confronting today’s criminal justice professionals.  Examines the constitutional policy making of the United States Supreme Court pertaining to criminal law and procedures as well as other salient issues in contemporary justice and legal discourse. Elements of murder, violent crime, property crime, computer crimes, offenses against the government, and morality offenses will be studied. In addition, inchoate offenses will be examined and defenses to crimes will be considered including justifications and excuses.