The fifth edition of this established work on criminal law now includes detailed discussion of major judicial pronouncements on dolus eventualis (Pistorius), the limits of common purpose liability in its active association form (Dewnath), robbery with aggravating circumstances (Masingili), treason (the Boeremag Treason trial), racketeering/retrospectivity (Savoi) and consensual child sexual experimentation (Teddy Bear Clinic).

With the important entry into force on 9 August 2015 of the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act 7 of 2013, definitions of human trafficking and related offences have now become an integral part of our criminal law. Moreover, the transitional provisions on human trafficking in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007 have been replaced with more detailed provisions under this Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act 7 of 2013.

A significant amendment to abortion law has been effected by the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Act 1 of 2008 (assented to 12 February and promulgated18 February 2008), following the Constitutional Court’s judgment in Doctors for Life International v Speaker of the National Assembly 2006 (6) SA 416 (CC).

Judgments of the Supreme Court of Appeal, the Constitutional Court and legislative amendments relevant to criminal law up until the end of 2015 have been included in this fifth edition of Principles of Criminal Law.