An elegant and succinct exposition of the criminal law, written without sacrificing erudition but remaining approachable and unintimidating in size, language and price. Clearly illustrates the principles underlying criminal law, thus paving the way for further study and insights into the subject. This book is well set-out and clearly structured, providing a good introduction to the major themes. It is supported throughout with judiciously employed pedagogic techniques, including 'Key Words', 'Case Notes', 'Summaries' and 'Exercises' to expertly rehearse the key concepts and reinforce understanding 'Hot Topics' sections highlight areas of debate or particular interest, enlivening the criminal law for today's student with relevant examples and conundrums.Brought completely up-to-date with the latest developments in criminal law, including the Fraud Act 2006, important reports by the Law Commission on homicides and accessories, as well as case law resulting from the Sexual Offences Act 2003, and the House of Lords decision in R v Kennedy on causation.Students taking compulsory modules on Criminal Law as part of undergraduate or GDL/CPE law courses at institutions in England and Wales; Students in Northern Ireland and students taking an English Law course in Scotland (at Dundee); All those professionals and students of other disciplines requiring an understanding of the basic principles and concepts underlying Criminal Law; The book has been found useful by Police Officers requiring an accessible and clearly stated analysis of the Law; The previous edition also sold well in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Jamaica and stock was taken by accounts in Ethiopia, Russia and Ukraine. This text provides a readable, comprehensive and accessible introduction to criminal law, supported by features throughout to help the student appreciate the key themes and major legal authorities within this area. Compact yet sufficiently comprehensive to support undergraduate study of this subject, and written in a fresh, lucid style.