Criminal law

by Kent Roach

Book by Roach, Kent

Genres: Law, Nonfiction

371 pages, Paperback

First published April 19, 1996

Reviews

[Jazzmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Professor Roach is incredible– this book though, not my favourite summary of criminal law. I felt that the subjects could have been organized better, with more background on the criminal code written into the notes section. I also felt that the conversation of R v. Morris was significantly overlooked, especially given Roach's background in highlighting the gaps in both immigration, refugee, criminal, and constitutional law. I would have appreciated a critical race lens, or at least, more on how the law may appear "neutral" when read literally, but actually paints differently beyond the ink stained by the pen. For example, the discussion of R v. Le could have been expanded– especially cautioning defence counsel on the overly ambitious, but potentially helpful intersectional way the Supreme Court interpreted the accused's background in a s.9 arbitrary detention case that led to a s.24(2) application.

While I appreciate the neutrality, given that this is meant to serve as a "primer" for first-year students who are getting into criminal law (perhaps for the first time). However, more attention could have been used to address the socio-legal issues that affect criminal law and the principles behind laws like the parasomnia defence.

[Rachel C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

My last NCA exam!!

Totally real precedents:
Case of careless use of a firearm: R v. Gunning
Case of a battered woman killing her evil husband: R v. Whynot