Criminal Law in Malawi

Criminal Law in Malawi (second edition) discusses substantive criminal law of Malawi. It builds on the first edition published in 2017 by incorporating legislative and jurisprudential developments that have happened over the past seven years. Major improvements include discussion of offences under the Financial Crimes Act, 2017 that repealed the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act; Penal Code (Amendment Act), 2023 that reformed the country’s sexual offences; and Cybercrimes Act, 2025 that repeals the Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Act and enacts cybercrimes. The book also incorporates recent case law from Malawi’s High Court and Supreme Court of Appeal, and from comparable jurisdictions from within the region and other common law countries. It is intended to be a guide to both the theory and practice of criminal law in Malawi. The book is a resource for law students, legal practitioners, criminal law enforcers, judicial officers, and legislative and policy makers. It is also useful to academics and researchers in the areas of law, criminology, and public policy.