The course covers the concepts and topics typical of substantive criminal law courses. We investigate the elements that de?ne crimes and defenses. We look at certain constitutional doctrines as bearing on the limits of legislative authority to de?ne conduct as criminal. The course offers a good opportunity to practice the skills of statutory interpretation, and confronts students with the policy and ethical questions underlying choices and implementation about what conduct should be de?ned as criminal, and under what circumstances the law should recognize excuses or justi?cations for otherwise criminal conduct.