The fourth edition takes account of case law developments, changes arising from the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 and coverage of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 including Breach of Peace.

This text provides an essential introduction to criminal law for law students and those with a general interest in this subject. It provides a firm grounding, both assisting and encouraging more detailed study.

Part I General Principles
1 The sources of Scots criminal law
2 Principles of liability
3 Strict liability offences
4 Corporate criminal liability
5 Causation
6 Parties to crime
7 Inchoate crimes
8 Defences
Part II Offences Against the Person
9 Assault
10 Homicide
11 Sexual offences
Part III Social Protection Offences
12 Social offences
13 Road traffic offences
Part IV Property Offences
14 Theft/Reset
15 Robbery
16 Fraud/uttering
17 Embezzlement/extortion and bribery
18 Malicious mischief
Part V Offences Against the State and Administration of Justice
19 Offences against the state
20 Offences against the administration of justice