Butterworths Core Text Series provides students with books which cover the core of a particular subject without over-simplifying and in a way that is accessible, yet authoritative - at an affordable price. This book is part text, part case study, with substantial statute and case citations which lead the student to the heart of the subject, and references to academic analysis and to law reform proposals intended to highlight the many challenges and difficulties of the subject.This third edition has been fully updated and takes into account key changes including: The House of Lords' decisions in Hinks (theft) and Smith (provocation) The impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 Other changes particular in the law of sexual offences (including the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2000) Developments in defences (self-defence, entrapment, reasonable chastisement etc) Recent academic commentaries/analyses