Murder: The Biography

You don't have to be a fan of True Crime or criminal law to enjoy reading Murder: The Biography. This is a fascinating book that looks at the history of the law of murder and how it has changed over not only decades but also centuries.

Law students especially those specialising in criminal law will recognise not only some of the cases that are included but terms as well.  For example, the case that gave rise to the M'Naghten Rules.  Rules that are still employed today to define the criminally insane.  When the law of provocation was first used and how the death of Ruth Ellis (the last woman to be hanged in England) played a significant role in the way in which the law of provocation changed in murder cases. The introduction of the defence of diminished responsibility, the real meaning of the popular song “Mack the Knife” and the grim account of where the term “Sweet Fanny Adams” originally came from to name a few.  Even though some of the cases referenced are rather obscure they are interesting enough to hold our attention and the book does in fact include a number of recent cases for example the cases of Sally Challen and Jack Shepherd which makes it incredibly relevant today.

This terrific book not only incorporates historical cases and expert opinion on the changes in the law of murder but also brings to life our inherent fascination with murder which does not seem to be abating. A book that will stand the test of time.