This text gives a clear, concise and comprehensive introduction to Irish criminal law, drawing on comparative law from other jurisdictions and giving references for further reading where appropriate. The text deals with all the areas of criminal law typically covered by diploma and degree courses, including the areas covered by the entrance examinations for the Law Society of Ireland and the Honourable Society of King's Inns. The text pays special attention to recent developments in the law, such as the reform of the law relating to insanity, and the growing influence of the European Convention on Human Rights on domestic criminal law.