Codification, Macaulay and the Indian Penal Code

'Criminal jurists and legal historians are indebted to the editors of this splendid, stimulating collection devoted to exploring Macaulay's Indian Penal Code. Spanning a diverse range of fundamental issues generated by the Code's historical context, structure and substance, this is the first full-scale assessment of Macaulay's bold Victorian venture in criminal law codification.' K.J.M. Smith, Cardiff University, UK 'Through this unique and quite exceptional set of essays, a fulsome tribute is paid to the work of arguably the most imaginative and gifted codifier of the criminal law to have worked in the English language. One hundred and fifty years on from the enactment of the Macaulay-inspired Indian Penal Code, leading scholars have now been brought together to build on Macaulay's foundations by providing fresh insights into the prospects for codification of the criminal law world-wide. These insights will appeal to readers across all common law jurisdictions, and beyond, who will find no stone unturned in this comprehensive examination of criminal law's history, its doctrines, and its theory.' Jeremy Horder, King's College London, UK ’All in all, Codification, Macaulay and the Indian Penal Code is requisite literature for those interested in re-evaluating criminal law that is based on the IPC. The ball has now moved out of the court of academics.’ Singapore Journal of Legal Studies '...this deeply learned collection of essays, written by and largely for legal scholars...' Victorian Studies 'The volume is a welcome addition to the current debate on the need for codification of law and the possible forms that it can take, especially since it highlights the deeply intertwined nature of codification in commonwealth countries. Thirteen authors from all over the world have not only scrutinised the content of the IPC and its legacy, they have also provided invaluable suggestions to update the IPC and restore its vitality.' International Journal for the Semiotic