The Criminal Law is an immensely complex and fascinating subject, and it is becoming larger and more complex each year. The aim of this book is to introduce British criminal law through a study of its underlying principles and policies. Exploring the major spheres of criminal liability, the book raises questions about the proper limit of the Criminal law, the relative seriousness of harms, the various principles grounded in fairness to individuals, policies designed to further the aims of Criminal Law, and ideas of criminal culpability.Now in its second edition, this hugely popular textbook has been thoroughly revised and updated to incorporate all major changes to the law as at January 1995. In particular, this new edition offers a more in-depth analysis of substantive law - with almost twice as many cases cited, whilst retaining its theoretical and contextual framework. This volume will continue to prove an invaluable introduction to the criminal law.