This is the third edition of the widely acclaimed textbook by Andrew Simester and Bob Sullivan. Criminal Law: Theory and Doctrine has established itself as the leading modern account of English criminal law, combining a detailed and authoritative exposition of the law with a careful exploration of its theoretical underpinnings. As such it is ideal for undergraduate teaching. It has also established itself as a major point of reference in academic writing, here and abroad, and has been cited in appellate courts throughout the world, including the House of Lords, the High Court of Australia, the Supreme Court of Canada, and the Special Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.In this edition, besides extensive updating, there is a new chapter on criminalisation as well as detailed new discussions of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs). 'This is probably the most significant book on criminal law to be published for many years, because it combines a high level of detail on the relevant cases and statutes with a searching examination of theoretical arguments that point directions for the development of law and legal doctrines...certainly sufficient for any undergraduate or postgraduate course. This is a carefully researched, well-written and balanced book, and a fine example of many of the best features of legal scholarship.' Professor Andrew Ashworth. Law Quarterly Review'...in this magisterial work on English Criminal law ... the authors have taken the art of textbook writing to a new level of sophistication... Simester and Sullivan's new book can without question be regarded as taking its place alongside the work of Williams, and of Smith and Hogan... and has been splendidly produced.'Jeremy Horder, The Criminal Law Review'Its breadth and depth of coverage, clarity of exposition and intellectual rigour, are all likely to make this book essential reading for many undergraduate and postgraduate criminal law students'David WSelfe, The Law Teacher

About the Author
A P Simester is Professor of Law at the National University of Singapore and Fellow of Wolfson College, University of Cambridge.G.R. Sullivan is Professor of Law at University College, London.

Table of Contents
AbbreviationsTable of CasesTable of Legislation1 Criminal law: definition and ambit2 The rule of law and the European Convention3 Interpretation and proof4 The actus reus5 Mens rea6 Strict and constructive liability7 Secondary participation8 Vicarious and corporate liability9 The inchoate offences10 Homicide11 Non-fatal offences against the person12 Non-Consensual Sexual Offences13 Theft14 Related offences15 Deception and fraud16 Defences: an overview17 Failure of proof: mistake and intoxication18 Mental condition defences19 Defences of circumstantial pressure20 Permissible conduct21 Defences and blame: some observationsBibliographyIndex