In this book, criminal law is approached as a mode of regulation with specific limits. The book maintains a sceptical attitude to traditional claims that criminal law can be learned via a set of general principles applicable to behaviours across the board. Detailed doctrinal exposition is set within a contextual approach that utilizes social policy analysis in assessing the benefits and limits of criminalization.

The book is widely acknowledged to be the leading modern analysis of Australian criminal law. It is ideal for stimulating class or tutorial discussion and developing research skills.

The fourth edition of Criminal Laws NSW maintains the distinctive features which have established the book as the leading work since its first publication in 1990. It again contains critical, thematic, contextual, and interdisciplinary perspectives so that it continues to be, quoting one reviewer, simultaneously a "textbook, casebook, handbook and reference work."

Additions include:

• an overview of current directions in criminal law and process;
• treatment of anti-terrorism legislation, identity fraud and computer offences;
• Lavender (manslaughter by criminal negligence and the role of malice);
• the new offence of reckless conduct causing workplace death;
• Ostrowski v Palmer (mistake of fact/law);
• the reintroduction of excessive self defence;
• new public order, drug, sexual assault and child sexual assault offences;
• Way and standard non-parole periods;
• Fardon and the limiting of Kable;
• and the resurrection of Habitual Offenders legislation.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: Some Themes
CHAPTER 2: Criminalisation
CHAPTER 3: The Criminal Process
CHAPTER 4: Components of Criminal Offences
CHAPTER 5: Homicide: Murder and Involuntary Manslaughter
CHAPTER 6: Defences
CHAPTER 7: Assault and Sexual Assault
CHAPTER 8: Public Order Offences
CHAPTER 9: Drugs Offences
CHAPTER 10: Dishonest Acquisition
CHAPTER 11: Extending Criminal Liability: Attempt, Conspiracy, Complicity and Incitement
CHAPTER 12: Sentencing and Penality

Acknowledgements
Table of Cases
Table of Legislation
Index