How Criminal Law Works explains basic concepts in criminal law. Clearly and simply written, with realistic examples to illustrate legal analysis, the book sets out the criminal law's most basic rules and rationales. From principles of punishment, to theories of liability, to affirmative defenses, the book demystifies the most difficult parts of the law. The book also offers practical guidance, addressing ways that criminal law as practiced may diverge from law on the books.

Professors Say:

A tour de force. On issue after issue, Pillsbury achieves clarity without sacrificing depth and sophistication. My students found the book engaging and extremely helpful.
--George Thomas, Rutgers University Board of Governors Professor of Law

A lively and richly informative roadmap to the principles, rules and practice of substantive criminal law. As a companion to casebooks it promises untold "ha ha!" moments of insight into the meaning and implications of judicial decisions. As a stand-alone text it is a gold mine combining legal doctrine, illustrative examples and real world application. As accessible as it is enlightening, it will offer students of criminal justice and law, as well as established scholars and practitioners, new understanding about the fundamentals of crime and punishment.
--James R. Acker, Distinguished Teaching Professor, School of Criminal Justice, SUNY, Albany

Students Say:

"I especially liked the hypothetical problems which really illustrated each point. This helped by giving me a concrete situation to which I could apply the concepts."

"Many times better than any black letter commercial outline in teaching concepts and ideas. Also, it helps as a middle step between classroom work and outline preparation"

"The first thing that struck me as incredibly helpful was the straightforward language."

"I honestly believe that it's a great supplement ... and even if it were not, I found it to be very interesting in its own accord. It helped me a great deal in understanding the subject."