Principles of Criminal Law 3/e (4th ed)

This book is primarily intended for use by undergraduate law students, and those on CPE/postgraduate diploma courses, who need to study criminal law as part of the academic stage of training for qualification into the legal profession.

Students studying on mixed law degrees, for the Open University, or on non-law modular courses where criminal law is offered as an element of the course programme, will also find the book an invaluable study aid.

The content is accessible, concise and up to date, providing an overview of the key aspects of criminal law doctrine as it applies in England and Wales.

In addition to providing an explanation of the substantive law, the text draws on a variety of sources, such as case law, statute law, Law Commission publications and academic commentary, to illustrate the operation of criminal law in practice and to consider proposals for reform.

The format of the book acknowledges the pressures on the study time available to many students - there are quick reference summaries and useful suggestions as to further reading for each chapter.

Readers are encouraged to adopt an analytical approach to their study of the subject consistent with their legal knowledThis fourth edition includes analysis of recent important case law, including decisions of the House of Lords in B v DPP (strict liability), R v Powell and Daniel; R v English (accessorial liability), R v Smith (provocation) and R v Woolin (mens rea for murder).

The likely impact of the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights by means of the Human Rights Act 1998 is also considered, particularly the effect this will have on the interpretation of statutory offences and the enforcement of common law offences.