Andrew Ashworth addresses the underlying principles and rationales of criminal law, providing students with a depth and maturity of analysis that confronts the major challenges in criminal law. The book incorporates all the recent developments in criminal law, including the Sexual Offences Act 2003, and addresses current controversies such as the debate over the shape of the law of murder and manslaughter; including discussion of the Law Commission's Consultation Paper. This is essential reading for students seeking a sophisticated and critically engaging exploration of the subject.