ABSTRACT

Introduction The questions in this chapter concern offences against the person, ranging from common assault at one end of the spectrum to murder at the other. Offences of this type are graded partly in terms of the harm caused but also by reference to the mens rea of the accused. The harm caused will define the range of offences that ought to be considered, that is, if D kills V, then liability for murder, manslaughter and/or causing death by dangerous driving, if appropriate, should be considered.