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Criminal law essays

These criminal law essay examples are produced using Law Writer’s free plan, giving you a 2:2-standard model answer for understanding structure, legal principles and the application of authority. If you need a stronger answer, credits can be used to generate 2:1, first-class or master’s-level work with more detailed case analysis, sharper criticism and fuller engagement with doctrine and reform.

Criminal law focuses on the principles that determine when conduct should attract criminal liability, as well as the offences and defences that make up the substantive criminal law. Essays may cover actus reus, mens rea, causation, omissions, strict liability, transferred malice, coincidence of act and fault, homicide, murder, voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, loss of control, diminished responsibility, non-fatal offences against the person, sexual offences, theft, robbery, burglary, fraud, criminal damage, attempts, conspiracy, encouraging or assisting crime, secondary liability, corporate criminal liability, intoxication, insanity, automatism, duress, self-defence, necessity, consent and the continuing debate around codification and reform. Strong answers usually require close attention to leading cases, statutory wording and the moral limits of punishment.

Criminal law - a man snatching a handbag at gunpoint
Featured September 15, 2026

What does 'dishonestly' mean in accordance with the Theft Act?

Introduction The concept of 'dishonesty' is a central element, or mens rea, required to establish the offence of theft under section 1 of the Theft Act 1968. Without proving that the defendant acted dishonestly, a conviction for theft cannot be secured. However, the 1968 Act does not provide a complete ...

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