The casebook is only ok, so get a good book of briefs. Read the brief first, THEN read the case in the casebook. For briefs I used ISBN 0976871602, which had a well written brief for every case assigned in class, and it was REALLY helpful.

A real page turner.
A terrific romp for the entire family.

It could use a little more character development, but otherwise... I laughed... I cried... I studied... a lot.

It drives me nuts that there is a new edition for the 2007-2008 school year, but at least the cases are interesting and generally illustrative of the concepts being taught. Like most casebooks, don't expect to get everything that you need out of it.

Though I have to agree with many of the other reviewers that this particular casebook is more philosophically grounded, I firmly believe that that basis is what makes it a great casebook. Since criminal law varies with each jurisdiction, the concepts you can learn by using this criminal law casebook will form the basis for understanding and applying criminal law in practice.

I have to admit, however, that it did take me a while to wrap my head around the casebook but, if you're professor is engaging you in the discussion (I'm assuming you are a student) then gradually you will start to see how Dressler's discussion on certain philosophical topics as why the criminal law punishes fits into important criminal law concepts such as: statutory interpretation, the elements of a crime, defenses etc.

As other's have mentioned there is a supplement that Lexis put out in their understanding series that Dressler wrote. Also, if you get your hands on the Sum and Substance CD series Dressler is also the narrator.

In addition, if you do have to use this casebook pay attention to the notes and notecases since many of them deal with important criminal law tests and cases that may show up on your exam. They often times will be buried and you may gloss over them not realizing their importance.

Less interconnective than a pair of Lego building bricks; fewer chase scenes than any good torts class; unable to leap tall buildings in a single bound. All in all, if you understand that somebody had intent, or what the bourgeoise elite call "mens rea," you can frame them for practically any crime. Conversely, if you can show that the defendant wasn't even thinking at the time, you can get him a greatly reduced sentence, if not off entirely. That's the essential theme of this book.

Unfortunately, Amazon won't allow me to rate the book higher -- it's an awesome doorstop.

i've bought a few books online and they are in great condition and much cheaper

Came in 2 days, good as described; very satisfied