Essential Magistrates’ Courts Law (2nd Edition)

Description

Now better than ever, the highly acclaimed Essential Magistrates’ Courts Law has been updated to include developments in the law and practice of the magistrates’ court since first published in 2019. Concise and accessible, it distils the law, practice and procedure of these courts in a straightforward way. All in one place it covers their framework and responsibilities and includes key changes in procedure, evidence, sentencing and the fair and efficient expediting of cases.

This independent publication by experts in the field sets out information that goes beyond official or internal guidance and is based on practical experience of working in the courts. Its unique approach and readable style is invaluable for practitioners and students alike.

• In common use in the magistrates’ courts of England and Wales.
• Garners core essential information in a single volume.
• An unrivalled aid to all who work in those courts.
• Praised across the summary justice system.
• With a new chapter on offences in the context of protests.

Reviews

‘5/5 – Highly recommended to any practitioner and judge.’ District Judge Adrian Lower, Law Society Gazette.

‘The go-to book for practitioners who require a ready answer to a practical question of law … up-to-date, accurate and easy to follow.’– Paul Goldspring, Senior District Judge (Chief Magistrate) for England and Wales (From the Foreword)

‘A comprehensive update of the first edition, providing a solid and accessible grounding for magistrates, complementing the essential work of the court legal advisers.’– Alexia Fetherstonhaugh JP, National Leadership Magistrate

‘A real bargain.’– Crime Girl

From the Reviews of the first edition of Essential Magistrates’ Courts Law

‘Readable and blissfully concise’— Law Society Gazette

‘It is hard to improve on the way the editors describe the burden of proof’— Stephen Leake, Editor Archbold Magistrates’ Court Practice.

‘An ideal point of reference’— London Criminal Court Solicitors Association.

‘A must-read for any judge, magistrate or lawyer practising in the magistrates’ courts’— (Now High Court Judge) Emma Arbuthnot, John Bache and Duncan Webster.

‘A very clear, succinct and practical guide’— Anna Banfield, BPP (University).

‘Excellent’— Gregory Durston, Reader in Law, Kingston University, Surrey.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Paul Goldspring; Preface; Preface to the First Edition; Introduction. 1: History of Justices of the Peace in England and Wales; 2: A Brief Overview; 3: Applications; 4: The First Appearance; 5: Youths, Vulnerable Witnesses and Defendants; 6: The Trial; 7: A Selection of Offences; 8: Offences in the Context of Protests; 9: Common Defences; 10: Sentencing; 11: Some Key Developments. Criminal Justice Terms and Abbreviations; Appendix; Index.

About the Authors

All three authors/editors are leading experts on the law, procedure and practice of magistrates’ courts, with extensive practical experience. Howard Riddle CBE was Senior District Judge (Chief Magistrate) for England and Wales; Robert Zara is a retired solicitor and former District Judge who worked in a law centre and established his own law firm; and District Judge Briony Clarke is a solicitor and District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts) based at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Foreword author Paul Goldspring is Senior District Judge (Chief Magistrate) for England and Wales.

Additional information