This is a thoroughly researched, and well-detailed book, with a focus on British laws and the different definitions and legalities of murder. It is a book for true crime enthusiasts, as Kate Morgan has included many trials, arrests and people to explore the complexity of murder, though the focus is particulars of the law. There are sections of accidental, pre-mediated, vehicular and serial murders, as well as the differences between murder and manslaughter. The author shows how grey the distinctions can be, and how this is a subject for argument and reform
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The most striking parts of the book are when the book focuses on the idea of diminished responsibility, and how this may have affected the outcomes of the trails of abused women. The book offers an insightful glimpse into how this violence has been used to help women arrested for murder, but also that it isn't an argument that has always worked in their favour. The author also highlights songs like Mack the Knife and Delilah, which glamourous murderers, giving the stories main stream appeal. The book asks why murderers can be reviled, but also popularised and even admired
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It can be a heavy book, and takes some concentration to read, particularly in the passages focusing on the laws. But the author clearly has a passion for this subject, and has included examples of trials dating back to the 17th Century through to Grenfell and Aberfan, to explain the differences of murder. It was interesting to read the evolution of English and British laws, and how it is still a contentious subject
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The most striking parts of the book are when the book focuses on the idea of diminished responsibility, and how this may have affected the outcomes of the trails of abused women. The book offers an insightful glimpse into how this violence has been used to help women arrested for murder, but also that it isn't an argument that has always worked in their favour. The author also highlights songs like Mack the Knife and Delilah, which glamourous murderers, giving the stories main stream appeal. The book asks why murderers can be reviled, but also popularised and even admired
.
It can be a heavy book, and takes some concentration to read, particularly in the passages focusing on the laws. But the author clearly has a passion for this subject, and has included examples of trials dating back to the 17th Century through to Grenfell and Aberfan, to explain the differences of murder. It was interesting to read the evolution of English and British laws, and how it is still a contentious subject