It takes the average reader 8 hours and 12 minutes to read Fine Lines and Distinctions by Terrence Morris
Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more
Written by two of the UKs leading experts on the law of homicide. Contains new information and analysis. Suggests a radical new solution to the mess which English homicide law has become. In this powerful account, the authors show thatfrom Sir Edward Cokes classic common law definition of murder, through political fixes, poorly thought-out compromises and misguided legislative or Executive tinkeringthe English law of homicide is in a mess. Even the most adept legal minds are faced with what has been described in Parliament as fine lines and distinctions. What must juries make of messy laws and how can anyone have confidence in criminal justice if laws affecting some of the most serious offences in the criminal calendar are deeply flawed? To make matters worse, the entire subject of homicide in England and Wales is further distorted by the existence of the mandatory life sentence for murder. Building on unrivalled knowledge, extensive research, close practical observation and incisive analysis, Professor Terence Morris and Sir Louis Blom-Cooper QC trace the development of the law of homicide from early times to the present day. They counter and dismantle specious arguments for preserving the status quo and point out that only root and branch reform of the basis of liability for homicide and its sentencing regime will serve to restore justice, fairness and political probity. Professor Terence Morris and Sir Louis Blom-Cooper QC are two of the UKs leading experts on the law of homicide, having studied developments together for over 50 years. This has led them to recognise the extent of disquiet, especially following particularly troubling cases and to conclude that the law of homicide in England and Wales is an unsatisfactory law enveloped in a political fix. Their suggestion of a replacement single offence of criminal homicide coupled with abolition of the mandatory life sentence for murder in favour of discretion at the sentencing stage demands close study by judges, lawyers, legislators, academics, penal reformers and anyone who senses that something is seriously amiss. 'This is no dry legal tome. The authors present their case in a bracing, persuasive and highly readable way... This is an important and stimulating work that should engage not just the legal practitioner, politician or law student but anyone concerned with our justice system or puzzled by the conduct and outcome of a murder trial': guardian.co.uk 'Fine Lines and Distinctions prompted me to pay more attention to and reflect further on those who have killed. Though its primary focus is the law - specifically a potentially significant improvement to the law - I also warmly recommend it to anyone interested in lifers': Independent Monitor 'This timely, provocative and certainly topical book puts forward a closely argued and well supported case for encouraging "a root and branch reform of the law of homicide" ... [and] provides ample evidence and ammunition to those who would agree that such a reform should be put in place as a matter of urgency': by Phillip Taylor MBE and Elizabeth Taylor of Richmond Green Chambers.
Fine Lines and Distinctions by Terrence Morris is 491 pages long, and a total of 123,241 words.
This makes it 166% the length of the average book. It also has 151% more words than the average book.
The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 11 hours and 13 minutes to read Fine Lines and Distinctions aloud.
Fine Lines and Distinctions is suitable for students ages 12 and up.
Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.
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