American Criminal Law

"Paul Robinson creates a rich tapestry of the past and present of the criminal law, weaving together cases from the distant past with contemporary controversies, unearthing the theoretical underpinnings of these legal questions, and illustrating the myriad contemporary approaches across the states. This is a book of both breadth and depth that will give readers an indispensable structure to thinking through these enduring puzzles of the criminalization of culpable wrongs."
Kimberly Kessler Ferzan, Earle Hepburn Professor of Law and Professor of Philosophy, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

"I can think of no better way for newcomers to introduce themselves to the criminal law. It won’t do just to look at a bunch of rules we call the 'criminal law.' Those rules need to be brought to life: to be placed in the context of their time. One needs to know how and why the rules are as they are, and when and why they change as they do. That’s a tall order, but the Robinsons deliver. An excellent and sophisticated introduction to criminal law for non-experts and undergraduates."
Stephen P. Garvey, A. Robert Noll Professor of Law, Cornell Law School

"American Criminal Law:Its People, Principles, and Evolution is quite simply a remarkable book. More than any other book I know, it succeeds in making criminal law come alive. Its lively writing style and truly deft selection of illustrative cases brings home the ethical and human complexities that are often hidden behind legal abstractions. Bravo!"
Austin Sarat, William Nelson Cromwell Professor Jurisprudence and Political Science, Amherst College

"While criminal law ought to be one of the most engaging topics, too often its presentation is anything but. With notions such as pursuing justice and fairness, thwarting cronyism and corruption, evaluating shifting societal norms, and balancing various competing interests – few subjects are worthy rivals. It's no surprise that Paul Robinson, a national treasure and unsurpassed expert on criminal law has achieved what no one else has been able to do thus far, introduce the topic to future expert and layperson alike in a manner that is as exciting as it is informative. With American Criminal Law, Paul has yet again set a new benchmark."
Robert Steinbuch, Law Professor, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

"Paul Robinson's American Criminal Law:Its People, Principles, and Evolution is an absolute treat. Using a series of historical incidents, both well-known and obscure, Robinson cleverly constructs a page-turner that is not only fully accessible to the general public but also manages effortlessly to teach deep lessons about controversial as well as non-controversial aspects of substantive criminal law. It is a tour de force that will delight and educate everyone."
Morris B. Hoffman, District Judge (ret.), State of Colorado; Member, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law and Neuroscience; author of The Punisher's Brain: The Evolution of Judge and Jury

"Based on immense, wide-ranging erudition and sparkling creativity, Paul Robinson’s American Criminal Law is a fascinating introduction like no other. Using unconventional but insightful materials, the text will challenge students to consider the genuine principles and concerns that animate American Criminal Law. It will without doubt create the most interesting course imaginable, generating fascinating discussions with unforgettable examples. If I were teaching the course, it is unthinkable that I would choose another text. The book is a triumph."
Stephen J. Morse, Ferdinand Wakeman Hubbell Professor of Law and Professor of Psychology & Law in Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania

"American Criminal Law presents the principles and competing interests in criminal law in a manner particularly appropriate for undergraduate students. The authors’ leveraging of students’ innate interest in crime—through the use of illustrating cases—coupled with their innovative pedagogical approach, make this an ideal text for courses in a range of programs.
Raymond V. Carman Jr., Ph.D., Department of Political Science, SUNY College at Plattsburgh

"American Criminal Law offers a very clever approach to teaching this area of law. By focusing on concepts and patters of application – rather than the typical doctrine of a casebook – this text is better suited than most at helping students to become better thinkers about criminal law."
Keith Richotte Jr., J.D., L.L.M., Ph.D., Associate Professor of American Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Associate Justice of the Turtle Mountain Tribal Court of Appeals