Fine Lines and Distinctions: Murder, Manslaughter and the Unlawful Taking of Human Life

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Professor Terence Morris Louis Blom-Cooper, QC

Fine Lines and Distinctions

Murder, Manslaughter and the Unlawful Taking of Human Life

Professor Terence Morris, Louis Blom-Cooper, QC

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English

Waterside Press
17 January 2011

Crime & criminology; Offences against the person

In this powerful account, the authors show that - from Sir Edward Coke's classic common law definition of murder, through political fixes, poorly thought-out compromises and misguided legislative or Executive tinkering - the English law of homicide is in 'a mess'.

Even the most adept legal minds are faced with what has been described in Parliament as 'fine lines and distinctions'. What must juries make of messy laws and how can anyone have confidence in criminal justice if laws affecting some of the most serious offences in the criminal calendar are deeply flawed? To make matters worse, the entire subject of homicide in England and Wales is further distorted by the existence of the mandatory life sentence for murder.

Building on unrivalled knowledge, extensive research, close practical observation and incisive analysis, Professor Terence Morris and Sir Louis Blom-Cooper QC trace the development of the law of homicide from early times to the present day. They counter and dismantle specious arguments for preserving the status quo and point out that only root and branch reform of the basis of liability for homicide and its sentencing regime will serve to restore justice, fairness and political probity.

Professor Terence Morris and Sir Louis Blom-Cooper QC are two of the UK's leading experts on the law of homicide, having studied developments together for over 50 years. This has led them to recognise the extent of disquiet, especially following 'particularly troubling cases' and to conclude that the law of homicide in England and Wales is 'an unsatisfactory law enveloped in a political fix'.

Their suggestion of a replacement single offence of criminal homicide coupled with abolition of the mandatory life sentence for murder in favour of discretion at the sentencing stage demands close study by judges, lawyers, legislators, academics, penal reformers and anyone who senses that something is seriously amiss.

By: Professor Terence Morris, Louis Blom-Cooper, QC
Imprint: Waterside Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm, Spine: 40mm
Weight: 835g
ISBN: 9781904380665
ISBN 10: 1904380662
Pages: 480
Publication Date: 17 January 2011
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Professional & Vocational , A / AS level , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Professor Terence Morris and Louis Blom-Cooper are two of the UK's leading experts on the law of homicide, having studied developments together for over 50 years. This has led them to recognise the extent of disquiet, especially following 'particularly troubling cases' and to conclude that the law of homicide in England and Wales is 'an unsatisfactory law enveloped in a political fix' (see Chapter 8). Their suggestion of a replacement single offence of criminal homicide coupled with abolition of the mandatory life sentence for murder in favour of discretion at the sentencing stage demands close study by judges, lawyers, legislators, academics, penal reformers and anyone who senses that something is seriously amiss. Further biographical details appear inside the book.

Reviews for Fine Lines and Distinctions: Murder, Manslaughter and the Unlawful Taking of Human Life

'This is no dry legal tome. The authors present their case in a bracing, persuasive and highly readable way... This is an important and stimulating work that should engage not just the legal practitioner, politician or law student but anyone concerned with our justice system or puzzled by the conduct and outcome of a murder trial': guardian.co.uk. 'With what some would regard as huge optimism, the authors hope that the validity of their analysis of the problems will be acknowledged and the complexities surrounding the law of homicide addressed and resolved - [their] ideas will undoubtedly stimulate and contribute to the continuing public debate about the nature and ingredients of the crime of homicide, the defences to it, and the appropriate punishment for those convicted of unlawful killings': Lord Judge, Lord Chief Justice (From the Foreword).