It is designed to be useful to solicitors as well as barristers, to practitioners in the magistrates' courts as well as those in the Crown Court, and to those who prosecute as well as those who defend. The book is divided into six parts. Part A contains a treatise on the general principles of criminal law. Topics discussed are the external elements of an offense, mens rea, general defenses, strict liability and vicarious liability, parties to offenses, and inchoate offenses. Part B, which addresses the substantive criminal law, examines all important criminal offenses. Each indictable offense is described in relation to its definition, applicable procedural rules, range of sentence, and any sentencing guidelines, form of indictment, alternative verdicts, elements, and defenses. Part C covers most important road traffic offenses. Parts D, E, and F deal respectively with criminal procedure, sentencing, and evidence. This edition takes into account the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act of 1994, the Drug Trafficking Act of 1994, the Firearms (Amendment) Act of 1994, the Trade Marks Act of 1994, and the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act of 1994. The amendments to the Crown Court Rules and the new Code of Practice for prosecutors are also covered. All important new court decisions are noted. Tables of cases, statutes, statutory instruments and codes of practice; appended supplementary material; and a subject index