Explore Criminal Law by Topic
Select a topic below to jump directly to the relevant Case a Day videos.
Criminal Liability Equation
Foundations of Criminal Liability
Criminal Offences + Defences
Non-Fatal Offences
Fatal Offences - Murder + Voluntary Manslaughter Defences (Special Defences to Murder)
Fatal Offences - Involuntary Manslaughter
Property Offences
Preliminary Offences
General Defences - Capacity Defences
General Defences - Necessity Defences
Actus Reus
Day 1 | R v Pittwood (1902)
Discover one of the leading cases on omissions and contractual duties.
This case explains how a failure to act may satisfy the actus reus of a criminal offence where the law recognises a duty to intervene, making it an essential starting point for the study of criminal liability.
Day 2 | R v Gibbins and Proctor (1918)
Discover one of the leading cases on omissions and duties arising from special relationships.
This case explains how a legal duty to act may arise through a familial relationship, demonstrating how a failure to fulfil that duty can satisfy the actus reus of a criminal offence and give rise to criminal liability.