• Goes beyond the traditional format and structure of criminal law textbooks, offering an original and successful blend of doctrinal and theoretical analysis, encouraging students to think beyond issues of policy and theory towards a deeper understanding of the subject
• Concise yet thorough explanation of complicated arguments with a fluent style that engages readers, making the law and its theoretical background accessible
• Refers to a wide variety of useful resources for students, both in the main body of the text and in footnotes and further reading lists, providing students with a definitive research and reference tool

New to this Edition:

• The author has thoroughly revised the structure and contents of the initial introductory chapters helping to contextualize the later discussion of the substantive law. There are now four introductory chapters - Criminal law process, Criminal law history, Criminal law values, and Criminal law fabric
• Updated coverage of new legislation, including - the Crime and the Courts Act 2013, the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015, the Modern Slavery Act 2015, and the Serious Crime Act 2015
• Updated coverage of new key cases, including R v Coley [2013] (automatism); R v Robson-Pierre[2013] (actus reus) R v Grant [2014] (transferred malice); Natural England v Day [2014] (liability for the actions of a third party); R v Jogee [2016] (complicity and joint enterprise); R v Dawes[2013]; R v Bowyer [2013]; R v Ashmelash[2013]; R v Jewel [2014] (homicide provisions of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009)
• The important work of the Law Commission in recent years is reflected principally by discussion of its proposals for insanity and automatism (2013), and for reform of non-fatal offences against the person (2014)​

 
Ashworth's Principles of Criminal Law, now in its eight edition, takes a distinctly different approach to the study of criminal law, whilst still covering all of the vital topics found on criminal law courses. Uniquely theoretical, it seeks to elucidate the underlying principles and theoretical foundations of the criminal law, and aims to critically engage readers by contextualizing and analysing the law. 

This is essential reading for students seeking a sophisticated and critically engaging exploration of the subject.

The text is accompanied by an Online Resource Centre housing a full bibliography as well as a selection of useful web links.