Since the publication of the first edition, this textbook has offered one of the most distinctive and innovative approaches to the study of criminal law. Looking at both traditional and emerging areas, such as public order offences and corporate manslaughter, it offers a broad and thorough perspective on the subject. Material is organised thematically and is clearly signposted at the beginning of each section to allow the student to navigate successfully through the different fields. This fourth edition looks at topical issues such as policing, the Serious Crime Act 2007, and reform of the Fraud Act 2006. Relevant case law and extracts from the most topical and engaging debates on the subject give the subject immediacy. The book is essential for both undergraduate and postgraduate study of criminal law and justice.
Part I. Approaching Criminal Law: 1. Images of criminal law; 2. Criminal laws in context; 3. Foundations of criminal law; Part II. Law, Order and Security: 4. Social and political constructions of disorder; 5. Securing order: pre-emptive measures; 6. Public order: control mechanisms; 7. Criminal law and justice: emerging themes; Part III. Interpersonal Violence, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Offence Preparation and Participation: 8. Offences against the person; 9. Drug and alcohol abuse; 10. Offence preparation and participation; Part IV. Property and Propriety: 11. Defining and defending private property; 12. Constructing property in criminal law; 13. Property rights and criminal enforcement; Part V. Regulating Sexuality and Bodily Autonomy: A Crisis of Trust and Intimacy?: 14. The social construction of sexuality and bodily autonomy; 15. Sexual violence; 16. Regulating sexuality; 17. Criminalising health care choices; Part VI. Making a Killing: Conceptions of Violence: 18. The social construction of violence and personal harm; 19. The criminal regulation of public safety; 20. Homicide: boundary issues; 21. Murder and manslaughter.