📖 Overview
Cases and Materials on Criminal Law is a comprehensive textbook examining the core principles and practical applications of criminal law in England and Wales. The book presents key cases, statutes, and academic commentary to explain fundamental legal concepts and developments.
Professor David Ormerod combines primary source materials with analytical notes to demonstrate how criminal law operates in real-world scenarios. The text covers both substantive criminal law topics like homicide and theft as well as procedural matters related to prosecution and defense.
The materials are organized to reflect how criminal cases progress through the justice system, from initial police investigation through trial and sentencing. Each chapter contains discussion questions and hypothetical problems that test understanding of legal principles.
This work serves as both a practical guide for law students and practitioners while also exploring deeper questions about justice, individual rights, and the role of criminal law in society. The systematic examination of case law reveals the ongoing evolution of criminal jurisprudence and its response to changing social conditions.
👀 Reviews
Students and practitioners find this textbook detailed and thorough in its explanation of criminal law principles. Law students specifically mention the helpful practice questions and comprehensive case citations.
Likes:
- Clear explanations of complex legal concepts
- Up-to-date case law and statutory amendments
- Practical exam guidance sections
- Quality binding and paper that holds up to heavy use
Dislikes:
- Dense text with minimal visual aids or diagrams
- Index could be more detailed for quick reference
- Some readers note the size makes it cumbersome to transport
- Price point considered high by student reviewers
Ratings:
Amazon UK: 4.6/5 (47 reviews)
Blackwell's: 4.5/5 (12 reviews)
Notable comments:
"The commentary explains difficult concepts in a straightforward way" - Law student reviewer
"Excellent for both academic study and practical reference" - Practicing barrister
"Worth the investment but very heavy to carry around" - 2L student
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Understanding Criminal Law by Joshua Dressler The text examines criminal law principles through real cases, statutory interpretation, and legal theory with emphasis on jurisprudential developments.
Smith and Hogan's Criminal Law by David Ormerod The book presents criminal law concepts through detailed analysis of case law, statutory provisions, and theoretical frameworks used by courts.
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Essential Criminal Law by Matthew Lippman The text combines case excerpts, statutory provisions, and analytical commentary to explain criminal law doctrine and its development through judicial decisions.
🤔 Interesting facts
📚 David Ormerod served as a Law Commissioner for England and Wales from 2010 to 2019, helping shape criminal law reform during his tenure.
⚖️ The book is one of the most widely-used criminal law textbooks in UK law schools and has gone through multiple editions since its first publication in 1940.
🏛️ The cases covered in the book include the landmark R v Brown [1994], which fundamentally shaped UK law regarding consent in cases of bodily harm.
📖 The text incorporates materials from the Law Commission, providing students with insights into how criminal laws are developed and reformed.
👨⚖️ Author David Ormerod QC has served as a Deputy High Court Judge and is a door tenant at Red Lion Chambers, bringing practical courtroom experience to his academic writing.