Smith, Hogan, and Ormerod's Criminal Law

Abstract

This book, in its 16th edition, has been completely updated to include all legislative and case law developments and detailed analysis of the many recent developments since the last edition. The material on dishonesty has been rewritten to take account of developments following the Supreme Court’s decision in Ivey v Genting Casinos. The book begins with an introduction of definitions of crime and an explanation of the sources of criminal law followed by detailed analysis of the elements of a crime (actus reus and mens rea) including negligence and strict liability. Secondary liability is examined with an emphasis on analysing the Supreme Court’s judgment in Jogee, before exploring corporate and vicarious liability. Mental condition defences and the Law Commission’s proposals to reform them are examined alongside issues relating to mistake and intoxication. A comprehensive review of general defences includes the Court of Appeal’s controversial approach to self-defence in householder cases. The final chapter of the general part provides a detailed review of inchoate offences. The second part of the book examines specific offences including murder, manslaughter, other homicide offences, non-fatal offences, sexual offences, theft and robbery, and considers the Fraud Act 2006, burglary, offences of damages to property, offences against public order and road traffic offences.