The success of Criminal Laws lies both in its distinctive features and in its appeal to a range of readerships. As one review put it, it is simultaneously a textbook, casebook, handbook and reference work . As such it is ideal for criminal law and criminal justice courses as a teaching text, combining as it does primary sources with extensive critical commentary and a contextual perspective. It is likewise indispensable to practitioners for its detailed coverage of substantive law and its extensive references and inter-disciplinary approach make it a first point of call for researchers from all disciplines. This fourth edition strengthens these distinctive features. All chapters have been systematically updated to incorporate the plethora of legislative, case law, statistical and research material which has emerged since 2001. The critical, thematic, contextual and interdisciplinary perspectives have been continued. Additions include an overview of current directions in criminal law and process; treatment of anti-terrorism legislation, identity fraud and computer offences; Lavender (manslaughter by criminal negligence and the role of malice); the new offence of reckless conduct causing workplace death; Ostrowski v Palmer (mistake of fact/law); the reintroduction of excessive self defence; new public order, drug, sexual assault and child sexual assault offences; Way and standard non-parole periods; Fardon and the limiting of Kable; and the resurrection of Habitual Offenders legislation.