Designed to fulfil the roles of both textbook and cases and materials book, this text explains and evaluates the main principles and rules of criminal law by reference to the objectives of the law in society, providing a social context to the law rather than a mere analysis of the rules. This edition has been completely updated to take account of key changes to the criminal law. several important judicial decisions, such as Adamako on reckless manslaughter, Marshall on corporate criminal liability, and Adams on conspiracy are fully discussed, as are legislative changes.