A seven-volume series of introductions to the core subjects of law: contract, criminal law, equity and trusts, property, public law, tort and the legal system. The main focus of 'Understanding Criminal Law' is on the general principles of criminal liability and the most important offences - homicide and the other crimes against the person, sexual offences, and the various property offences, such as theft and burglary. It lucidly explains the substantive rules of criminal law within the context of the law's overall objectives, showing, for example, that the distinction between murder and manslaughter can only be properly understood if the law's purpose is also appreciated. In doing this, the rationale of the various rules and the relationship between them is explored. This examination reveals that the criminal law is concerned with the protection of certain values. The author exposes these values and subjects them to scrutiny, at times expressing preferences as to how the criminal law should develop. This book presents a straightforward and stimulating approach to understanding criminal law.