Within the criminal law, the area of offences against the person is an important and sometimes controversial subject. This book deals with both homicide, and non-fatal offences (including sex offences). The theoretical bases, and practical operation, of the main offences in all areas are discussed.

Led by Professor David Ormerod and David Perry QC, our team of authors has been hand-picked to ensure that you can trust our unique combination of authority and practicality. With a simultaneous supplement containing essential materials, you can rely on Blackstone's Criminal Practice to be your constant companion through every courtroom appearance. This new edition has been meticulously revised to provide extensive coverage of all new legislation, case law, and Practice Directions. With free Quarterly Updates, and monthly web updates, you can trust Blackstone's Criminal Practice to provide reassurance on all the latest developments in criminal law and procedure.

This is the fifth edition of the leading textbook on criminal law by Professors Simester, Spencer, Sullivan and Virgo. Simester and Sullivan is an outstanding account of modern English criminal law, combining detailed exposition and analysis of the law with a careful exploration of its theoretical underpinnings. Primarily, it is written for undergraduate students of criminal law and it has become the set text in many leading universities. Additionally, the book is used as an important point of reference in academic writing and postgraduate research in England and abroad. Simester and Sullivan has been cited by appellate courts throughout the world. There have been a large number of important appellate decisions since the last edition of this work. This new case law, among other things, provides helpful guidance for the interpretation of offences under the Serious Crime Act 2007 and of the defence of loss of control provided by the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. There have been significant developments in the laws relating to rape, self-defence and defence of property, and duress. Special mention should be made of the continuing stream of appellate cases regarding the nature and scope of secondary liability in the crimes of others.

The authors analyse central aspects of criminal law in the context of the assumptions surrounding it, and employ a number of critical approaches, including a feminist perspective, to give insights into the current state of the law.