I’m pleased to announce that the School of Government has just released a new book entitled Pulled Over: The Law of Traffic Stops and Offenses in North Carolina. Shea Denning, Christopher Tyner, and I are the authors. It’s an important topic given that North Carolina officers conduct more than a million traffic stops each year and that many criminal cases, small and large, begin with a motor vehicle stop. This post provides more information about the book. Continue reading
Tag Archives: books
The new edition of Arrest, Search, and Investigation in North Carolina, Fifth Edition, 2016 is now available. Continue reading for additional information. Continue reading →
Category: Search and Seizure, Uncategorized | Tags: arrest search and investigation, books, fourth amendment, publications, search, seizure
The 2014 Cumulative Supplement to Arrest, Search, and Investigation in North Carolina (4th ed. 2011) is now available. It is called a cumulative supplement because it includes the material in the 2013 supplement so you only need the book and the 2014 cumulative supplement to be current. You may order it online here or contact the School of Government Bookstore Manager at 919.966.4120. Continue reading for additional details.
Category: Search and Seizure, Uncategorized | Tags: asi, books, cell phones, cell site location information, publications
Although the number of capitally-tried cases has declined in recent years, capital cases remain important, complex, and hotly contested. So I’m happy to announce that a new edition of the North Carolina Capital Case Law Handbook is now available. I’m the author, though the new edition is built upon the sturdy foundation of the previous versions, which were written by my colleague Bob Farb.
The marketing blurb: “A research reference for North Carolina judges and lawyers who handle capital cases, this 300-page book is designed to help them understand statutes and case law affecting the trial and sentencing of defendants charged with first-degree murder in which the state seeks the death penalty. Although its primary focus is the sentencing process, it also discusses selected pretrial and trial issues that commonly arise in first-degree capital murder trials. The third edition updates and builds on previous editions and includes the following features:
- Summaries of appellate cases rendered through the end of 2012
- Relevant statutory law that has also been updated
- More expanded analysis and discussion than previous versions
- A new chapter on the Racial Justice Act
- The book also contains an index of cases cited and a subject index”
Information about AOC purchases: Some court employees will get a copy through the Administrative Office of the Courts. The AOC has advised us that “a bulk purchase [of the book] has been made by using funds available. Upon receipt of the books, distribution will be made to the Senior Resident Superior Court Judges and the District Attorneys by inclusion in the regularly scheduled supply deliveries. Distribution should be complete by the end of June. Indigent Defense Services (IDS) has arranged to participate in this project, and deliveries will be made to IDS/Public Defenders also by inclusion in the regular supply deliveries. Distribution should be complete by the end of June.” I don’t know exactly how many copies each office will receive.
More information: You can get more information, and buy the book if you are so inclined, here. I welcome feedback of all kinds about the organization and content of the book.
Category: Uncategorized | Tags: books, capital caselaw handbook, capital litigation, death penalty, publications
Jessie Smith has completely revised and updated the indispensable reference work North Carolina Crimes. The seventh edition is now available for purchase from the School of Government. The book has its own web page, here, where you can see the Table of Contents and a sample of the text, and can order the book if it fits your needs. The AOC has already committed to a bulk purchase, so many state employees should receive a copy soon. Jessie has worked incredibly hard on this revision, so congratulations to her for seeing it through.
I can’t count how many times I’ve been asked when there will be a new edition of Arrest, Search, and Investigation in North Carolina. Ask no more: the Fourth Edition is now available. I have a copy on my desk right now. You can read more about the book, and order a copy for your desk if you’re so inclined, here.
Here’s how our publications department describes the new version:
This book explains the legal rules that govern an officer’s authority to enforce laws and to investigate criminal offenses. It also explains the basic rules of evidence in criminal cases. Footnotes to the text and and case summary sections include appellate cases and statutory references to assist in researching particular issues. This edition is newly organized placing supplementary material in footnotes at the bottom of the text instead of as notes at the end of each chapter. It also places relevant case summaries sections at the end of each chapter (for chapters 2-5) instead of placing these sections at the end of the book. The text is current with statutory and case law through June 2011 and replaces all prior editions and supplements. It contains a subject index and a case index.
Let me add that I am a big fan of the use of footnotes rather than end notes. The book is well-organized and a pleasure to use. And of course, it is massively researched and comprehensive. Thanks and congratulations to Bob for finishing it.
Finally, a word about pricing. The book costs $70. That’s not cheap, but in the world of legal reference books, it is an astonishing bargain. The book’s closest competitor is Wayne R. LaFave, Search and Seizure: A Treatise on the Fourth Amendment (4th ed. 2004-12). That’s also a good reference — but as you can see here, it costs $775.
