Hougaku Kyoushitsu Library Keihōsōron no Nayamidokoro (Key Points of Criminal Law: General Part)

This book, “Key Points of Criminal Law: General Part,” is based on the series of articles of the same title that ran in the magazine Hougaku Kyoushitsu [The Jurisprudence Classroom]. In addition to this original content, I have incorporated subsequent developments in judicial precedent and legal theory. This book introduces current debates and presents my conclusions on some of the problems surrounding the general part of criminal law that students may find difficult to understand. In that sense, this book is intended to be read by those who have already studied the general part of criminal law in undergraduate or law school and seek further in-depth study. However, to make the book comprehensible to students studying criminal law for the first time, I have tried to explain it as plainly as possible without omitting any basic content. In addition, I have added my own analysis of the latest practices and theories, assuming that the readers are legal practitioners and researchers.
 
This book consists of 19 chapters, six of which deal with the theory of complicity. Given the complexity, my aim was to explain the theory as clearly as possible; thus I have allocated the most number of chapters to this topic.
 
The general part of criminal law is often discussed in abstract terms, making it difficult for students to understand. I am concerned that students tend to memorize only abstract key words and conclusions. This way of studying does not allow students to properly address actual cases; what is more, it does not allow them to realize how interesting the discussion of criminal law can be. Therefore, in this book, I have tried to give readers an opportunity to engage in a comprehensive exploration of criminal law. This involves delving into why these issues are being examined, the perspectives fueling conflicts of views, and the divergent conclusions drawn from each viewpoint.
 
I will be pleased if this book succeeds in making its readers feel a fascination with Criminal Law.
 

(Written by HASHIZUME Takashi, Professor, Graduate Schools for Law and Politics / 2023)