This text provides a readable, comprehensive and accessible introduction to "Criminal Law". Through the media coverage of high profile trials we all feel that we know something about criminal law, and this text uses such cases to create a real interest and involvement on the part of the student. It includes 'hot topic' sections which analyze the controversial cases of recent years. This new edition has been updated to include discussion of important case law developments in the law of provocation, consent, conspiracy and duress. There is also discussion of the Law Commission's proposals on the law of murder.PART I: BASIC PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL LIABILITY - Introduction to Criminal Law - Procedures and Structures of Criminal Law - The External Elements - Causation - The Mental Element - Strict and Vicarious Liability - PART II: OFFENCES AGAINST THE PERSON - Assaults - Sexual Offences - Murder - Manslaughter - PART III: OFFENCES AGAINST PROPERTY - Theft - Offences Connected to Theft - Deception Offences - Other Offences Against Property - PART IV: DEFENCES - Denial of Elements of Offences - General Defences - PART V: PARTICIPATION IN CRIME - Accessories - Inchoate Offences