Criminal Law: The Basics 2nd ed

Criminal Law: The Basics is an insightful introduction to the legal aspects of criminal acts, ranging from battery to burglary and harassment to homicide.

Starting with an in-depth exploration of the very concept of crime, the book considers key questions such as:

• how should we decide what is criminal and what isn’t?
• what is the difference between murder and manslaughter?
• could you ever be guilty of stealing your own property?
• what defences are available to those accused of crime?

Featuring a range of case studies, from the infamous to the bizarre, the new edition has been thoroughly updated to include new material on loss of control; accessorial liability; dishonesty; causation; liability, manslaughter, and sexual offences. Relevant cases, statutes and suggestions for further reading are included throughout, making Criminal Law: The Basics the ideal starting point for anyone studying this area for the first time.