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Criminal Law: Theory and Doctrine

NCJ Number
183918
Author(s)
A. P. Simester; G. R. Sullivan
Date Published
1999
Length
764 pages
Annotation
This book profiles English criminal law, combining a discussion of theory with an authoritative exposition of the law; the analysis is complemented by extensive citations of case law and articles.
Abstract
Following a chapter on the definition and application of criminal law, along with the structure of a criminal offense, a chapter discusses the rule of law and the European Convention. A chapter on interpretation and proof addresses the sources of the criminal law, the interpretation of criminal statutes, the interpretation and development of common-law offenses, and the burden of proving actus reus and mens rea. The next two chapters focus on the actus reus and mens rea, respectively. These chapters are followed by two chapters that discuss strict and constructive liability as well as secondary participation. Another chapter focuses on vicarious and corporate liability; and a chapter on inchoate offenses considers incitement, conspiracy, attempt, impossibility and inchoate offenses, and jurisdiction and inchoate offenses. Chapters on specific offenses address homicide, nonfatal offenses against the person, sexual violence, theft and related offenses, and deception and fraud. A series of chapters then discuss defenses to criminal charges. These address mistake and intoxication, mental condition, circumstantial pressure, and permissible conduct (victim consent, self-defense and crime prevention, necessity, and chastisement). A 646-item bibliography, a table of cases, and a subject index

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