The crime of manslaughter exists as a 'catch-all offence' to punish those who are blameworthy in causing the death of another but whose culpability falls short of that required for murder. Manslaughter is an extremely broad offence and it has a difficult task in ensuring that all those who warrant punishment for 'non-aggressive' deaths are convicted. Simultaneously, it should not be too broad in covering those who do not warrant punishment for such deaths. There is little consistency in whether a particular dangerous activity leads to liability for a specific offence or for the generic offence of manslaughter when death is caused. This book examines the current law and includes a variety of perspectives on the subject with chapters on specific modes of killing as well as issues that permeate all areas. The first half of the book deals with issues such as how any special offences for non-aggressive death should relate to a hierarchy of homicide offences. The second half deals with issues specific to different activities, which may or may not justify the creation of specific homicide offences. The book includes a comparative chapter on Australian law.

The crime of manslaughter exists as a 'catch-all offence' to punish those who are blameworthy in causing the death of another but whose culpability falls short of that required for murder. Manslaughter is an extremely broad offence and it has a difficult task in ensuring that all those who warrant punishment for 'non-aggressive' deaths are convicted. Simultaneously, it should not be too broad in covering those who do not warrant punishment for such deaths. There is little consistency in whether a particular dangerous activity leads to liability for a specific offence or for the generic offence of manslaughter when death is caused. This book examines the current law and includes a variety of perspectives on the subject with chapters on specific modes of killing as well as issues that permeate all areas. The first half of the book deals with issues such as how any special offences for non-aggressive death should relate to a hierarchy of homicide offences. The second half deals with issues specific to different activities, which may or may not justify the creation of specific homicide offences. The book includes a comparative chapter on Australian law.

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.

This volume is a thorough and accessible guide to criminal law, providing invaluable extracts from key cases, statutes, and expert articles, which have been carefully selected to illuminate the core of criminal law. Ormerod and Laird expertly guide the reader through the various facets of the law while posing stimulating questions for students to investigate further and reflect upon.

Smith, Hogan, & Ormerod's Text, Cases, & Materials on Criminal Law is a thorough and accessible guide to criminal law, combining extracts from key cases and statutes, together with invaluable extracts from expert reports and articles. Ormerod and Laird expertly guide the reader through the various facets of the law while posing numerous questions for further investigation and reflection. The contents of the twelfth edition have been substantially revised and restructured to closely match the structure of contemporary courses. This new edition includes significantly more explanatory text and third-party critical commentary, ensuring that the book is suitable for use as a core textbook. This book provides the law student with everything they need to develop a thorough understanding of this fascinating subject. Online Resource Centre www.oxfordtextbooks.co.uk/orc/sho/ This book is accompanied by a selection of online resources, including detailed annual updates, useful web links, and outline answer guidance to selected in-text questions.

'Criminal Law' is written with the needs of the student foremost in mind to provide, more than ever, as modern and as comprehensive an exposition of the criminal law as he or she could possibly require.