This unique work sheds much new light on the old problem of conceptualization and classification within criminal law. Paul H. Robinson argues that the current operational structure of criminal law fails to fully account for its different functions, and proceeds to suggest new sample codes of criminal conduct and adjudication in a study that will be seen as an incisive departure from today's pragmatic approach. The book is an important and well-rounded exploration of the structure of criminal law systems that will appeal to both teachers of law and policy-makers around the globe.

• Part I: Introduction


• 1.: Structure and Function in Criminal Law


• 2.: The Formal Structure of Current Criminal Law


• Part II: Operational Structure


• 3.: The Definition of Offenses


• 4.: Principles of Imputation


• 5.: General Defenses


• Part III: Functional Structure


• 6.: A Functional Analysis of Criminal Law


• 7.: The Rules of Conduct


• 8.: The Doctrines of Liability


• 9.: The Doctrines of Grading


• Appendices


• A Code of Criminal Conduct


• A Code of Criminal Adjudication

Paul Robinson is Professor of Law at Northwestern University School of Law.