Author Description

Blackstone's Criminal Practice 2009 provides in a single, well-referenced, affordable and portable volume all the material essential to criminal practice and procedure in all criminal courts. Expert commentary of uncompromising quality has ensured the book's position as a leading reference for the criminal practitioner and one which is frequently cited by the courts. General Editors Lord Justice Hooper and Professor David Ormerod lead a team of expert academic and practitioner contributors, offering authoritative, clear and comprehensive guidance and analysis on all aspects of criminal court practice. Structured for clarity and ease of use, the book is divided into six substantive Parts (A to F) and nine appendices including up-to-date text of the Criminal Procedure Rules, PACE Codes, Disclosure materials, and Attorney-General's Guidelines. Part A on Criminal Law: A rigorous and detailed treatise of the general legal principles of criminal law including the essential elements of crime, defenses, liability, parties, and jurisdiction. Part B on Offences: A systematic analysis of key substantive offences setting out necessary definitions, forms of indictments, applicable procedural rules, sentencing guidelines, alternative verdicts, defenses, elements and so forth. Part C on Road Traffic Offences: In-depth coverage of all road traffic offences. Part D on Procedure: Step-by-step guidance covering the practice and procedure of a case from police investigation, through trial (both summary trial and trial on indictment), to final appeal. Part E on Sentencing: Clear and authoritative guidance on every aspect of sentencing including custodial sentences, community sentences, orders, fines, disqualification and rehabilitation. Part F on Evidence: Detailed coverage of the principles and practice governing the complex area of evidence. The 2009 edition has been fully updated and revised to co