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

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.

Prologue 1. A Jacobean Legacy: The Creativity Of Coke 2. The Wisdom Of Mr Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr 3. The Law Of Homicide 4. Secondary Liability In Homicide 5. Fiats, Fords And Foresight: Excursions To The House Of Lords From Woolmington To Smith 6. A Tale Of Two Amendments: Or One Fixed Penalty For Another 7. Hunting The Chimara 8. Clearing Up The Mess: Or The Law Commission Attempts To Make Bricks Without Straw 9. Homicide On The Road 10. Corporations In The Dock 11. Familial Homicide 12. Expert Evidence On Trial 13. A Matter For The Jury 14. The Appellate Process: Equality Of Arms 15. What And How Long Is 'Life'? 16. Sentencing Adrift And Parole 17. Envoi Appendices Index