p. 11. Introduction
- Richard CardRichard CardEmeritus Professor of Law, De Montfort University, Leicester
- and Jill MolloyJill MolloySenior Lecturer in Law, Birmingham City University
Abstract
This introduction outlines the book’s contents. The book explores the substantive criminal law of England and Wales, that is, the law that governs the general principles of legal liability for an offence (commonly known as a ‘crime’) and specific offences. It focuses on offences which are more serious in nature. Almost all the general principles of criminal liability can be found in the common law, that is, judge-made law. In contrast, very few offences are currently governed by the common law. This chapter discusses the characteristics of criminal offences, the purposes of criminal law, the courts of criminal jurisdiction, jurisdiction, maximum sentences, sources of criminal law, the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998, and codification of the criminal law.
Keywords
Updated in this version
Note: An update has been made available on the Online Resource Centre (March 2017).
