This book provides a challenging, alternative, critical approach to every other text which deals with the criminal law's general principles.

Alan Norrie is Head of School and Professor in the School of Law at the University of Warwick.

Part I. Context: 1. Contradiction, critique and criminal law; 2. The historical context of criminal doctrine; Part II. Mens Rea: 3. Motive and intention; 4. Recklessness; Part III. Actus Reus: 6. Acts and omissions; 7. Causation; Part IV. Defences: 8. Necessity and duress; 9. Insanity and diminished responsibility; 10. Self defence; 11. Loss of control; Part V. Concluding: 12. Sentencing; 13. Conclusion.