Criminal Law in Hong Kong

Criminal Law in Hong Kong offers a clear and comprehensive account of the general principles of criminal law in Hong Kong and will be useful to students, practitioners, and all who are responsible for or interested in the administration and practice of the criminal justice system in Hong Kong. This book focuses on the general structure and principles of criminal liability, emphasizing local legislation and case law as Hong Kong’s criminal law increasingly diverges from its English origins. Where necessary, it also includes discussion of how certain areas of Hong Kong’s criminal law may develop. In addition, the book outlines a range of offences, including those commonly dealt with in undergraduate courses.

Part One of the book examines the foundations of Hong Kong’s criminal law. The general principles of criminal liability are then covered in Parts Two to Four, including the elements of liability, general defences, and participation and inchoate liability. In Parts Five and Six, fatal and non-fatal offences against the person, sexual offences, and offences against the Theft Ordinance are discussed.

Michael Jackson is a lecturer in the Department of Law at the University of Hong Kong, where he has taught criminal law since 1984. He is a member of the Criminal Law and Procedure Committee of the Law Society of Hong Kong, and has practised criminal litigation both in New Zealand and in Hong Kong.

‘A clearly written text that evidences considerable scholarship. It is an important contribution to the elucidation of the criminal law in Hong Kong. I found the chapter on the law of theft to be particularly compelling.’ —Gerard McCoy, QC SC

‘Criminal Law in Hong Kong’s comprehensive and insightful treatment of legal doctrine, especially those unique to Hong Kong, will be a source of delight for students, teachers and practitioners of the law.’ —Simon N. M. Young, Faculty of Law, The University of Hong Kong