Criminal Law
Criminal Defences in English Law
Introduction English criminal law recognises a range of defences that may negative liability even where the prosecution has proved the actus reus and mens rea of an offence. Defences may be complete …
Criminal Liability in English Law
Introduction Criminal liability in English law requires proof of two elements: the actus reus (the guilty act or omission) and the mens rea (the guilty mind). The prosecution must prove both elements …
Homicide Offences in English Criminal Law
Introduction Homicide is the unlawful killing of a human being. English law distinguishes between murder, voluntary manslaughter, and involuntary manslaughter, with different mental elements and …
Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person
Introduction Non-fatal offences against the person in English criminal law are governed principally by the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 (OAPA 1861), a piece of Victorian legislation that …
Property Offences in English Criminal Law
Introduction Property offences in English criminal law are governed principally by the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. The Theft Act 1968 consolidated and reformed the law of theft, robbery, …
Substantive English Criminal Law
Sources and Structure English criminal law remains uncodified, deriving from both common law (judge-made law developed through precedent) and statute. The absence of a comprehensive criminal code …