"Understanding Criminal Law focuses on the general principles of criminal liability and the structure of the most important criminal offences. By examining the purpose of criminal law and its rules, it offers a detailed understanding of the rationale of the various offences and explores their relationship to one another. The author then goes on to evaluate and offer criticism of the substantive criminal law and, where necessary, suggests how it should be developed." "Providing a contextualised and integrated analysis of the main principles of the subject area, this fully revised and updated edition presents a straightforward and stimulating approach to understanding criminal law." "This fourth edition includes the Criminal Justice Act 2003, the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and leading cases including the House of Lords decision in G and Another."--BOOK JACKET.