Principles of criminal law /

Ashworth presents an important study of the English criminal law. Although the work professes to be an introductory level study, it is quite sophisticated. Unlike most authors of introductory texts, Ashworth seeks less to convey a full account of every detail of the criminal law, than an overview of the principal themes, norms, and structures that comprise it. In this he succeeds admirably. Ashworth covers a great deal of detail, but his discussion of specific cases and principles is always subordinate to his larger purpose. As a consequence, students will learn a great deal of black letter law, but they will do so in a structured and coherent manner that will enable them to appreciate the larger architecture of English criminal law. This makes the work important for students of law and the social sciences. Moreover, it makes the work useful for comparativists, even though it focuses almost exclusively on England. Highly recommended for undergraduate and graduate students.