Criminal Law Basics

LII Wex is a free legal dictionary and encyclopedia sponsored and hosted by the Legal Information Institute at the Cornell Law School. Wex entries contain a definition, subject overview and useful links. All entries are collaboratively created and professionally reviewed.

Get started with these materials aimed at law school students. These books and study materials explain and summarize the basics of Criminal Law

Learn more with these leading works on criminal law or search HOLLIS for more resources.

If you'd rather be reading comic books instead of casebooks, why not combine your interests? 

Criminal defense attorney Nathaniel Burney created  The Illustrated Guide to Law to explain legal topics in comic book form. 

The Illustrated Guide to Criminal Law is also available in print for those of us who prefer to read on the beach.

Headlines from the CrimProf Blog

Download recordings of cases commonly read in first and second year courses.

Test your knowledge!

CALI provides access to an extensive collection of interactive, computer-based lessons designed to augment traditional law school instruction. Use the lessons to supplement your studies and to review specific concepts.

Search HOLLIS or try these databases to find articles on criminal law topics.

  Ask Us! Submit a question or search our knowledge base.

Chat with us! Chat  with a librarian (HLS only)

Email: research@law.harvard.edu

 Contact Historical & Special Collections at specialc@law.harvard.edu

 Meet with Us  Schedule an online consult with a Librarian

Hours  Library Hours

Classes View Training Calendar