Includes index.

Contents: The general nature of crime and criminal law: Introduction -- Definition of crime -- Nature of criminal law -- Scope and functions of criminal law -- Principle of legality -- Classification of offences -- Punishment: Introduction -- Definition -- Purpose/aims of punishment -- Theories of punishment -- Justification of punishment -- Distribution of punishment -- Elements of criminal liability, the physical element: Introduction -- The physical element (actus reus) -- Voluntariness -- Possession -- Elements of criminal liabilty(II): The mental element (I) (mens rea): Introduction -- Intent -- Proof of intent -- Recklessness abd gross negligence -- Knowledge -- Motive -- The mental element (II): Execptions to the rule: Introduction -- Offences of strict liabilty -- Vicarious liability -- Causation: Introduction -- What does 'cause' mean -- Use of involuntary agents -- Joint causation -- Intervening events -- Taking your victism as you find him -- Victism's unreasonable behaviour -- Improve medical treatment -- A year and a day rule -- Applicability to inchoate offences -- Special provisions relating to causing death -- Witchcraft or magic -- Contributory negligence -- Jurisdiction -- Liabilty for omissions.