This accessible text enables criminology and criminal justice students to understand and critically evaluate the criminal law, in the context of criminal justice and wider social issues. The book explains criminal law comprehensively, covering both general principles and specific types of criminal offence. It examines criminal law in its social context, as well as considering how it is used by the criminal justice processes and agencies which enforce it in practice. It is accompanied by a companion website which incorporates a range of resources for lecturers and students.