This new edition of Andrew Ashworth's popular and authoritative textbook has been fully revised and updated to incorporate all recent changes in the field of criminal law since the publication of the last edition in 1999. It addresses the underlying principles and rationales of criminal law, and has a more theoretical and stimulating approach than standard textbooks. It is an accessible, readable text that provides students with a depth and maturity of analysis. The extent to which Andrew Ashworth engages with the principles of the law is unsurpassed by other works. The new edition includes further discussion of the impact of Human Rights Act.