Criminal Law is the vast body of law pertaining to acts that have been classified as crimes. While there are some traditional common law crimes, most crimes are created by local, state, and federal statutes. Criminal laws vary greatly from state to state. However, there is a Model Penal Code, which may be helpful for a better understanding of criminal liability generally.
This LibGuide is intended to be an introductory guide to conducting legal research on criminal law, criminal procedure, and other laws relevant to criminal justice topics, available in the Law Library and on the Internet. It focuses on federal and state law, secondary sources, and agencies and associations of interest.
The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction produces interactive lessons authored by legal scholars and professionals that cover substantive law, as well as legal research and writing. The lessons include a mix of background information and questions.
Before diving into a research project, it's essential to have a strategy for how you will conduct your research.
At the Law Library, we've developed a research worksheet that you can use to help organize the information you've been given and develop a plan for your research. Feel free to make copies and use it as you're given research assignments.