This work serves as the definitive legal reference for practitioners navigating the complexities of criminal law within the English and Welsh judicial systems. Authored by David Ormerod and David Perry, both distinguished legal experts, the text provides a comprehensive analysis of criminal statutes, procedural rules, and recent case law. It functions as a primary resource for barristers, solicitors, and judges, offering a structured framework for interpreting legislation and applying legal precedents in court settings.

Legal professionals consistently identify this text as a foundational resource for criminal litigation in the United Kingdom. Experts frequently note the high density of the prose and the precision required to utilize the work effectively in a courtroom environment.