Criminal Litigation and Sentencing 2004/2005

The barrister needs to know how to conduct a criminal case. It is not just a matter of being conversant with the relevant law and procedure; he or she must be able to deal with an actual case in practice. Recognizing this basic necessity, this manual gives practical guidance on how to carry out actual tasks. The first part of the manual follows the stages through which a typical criminal case would pass, starting with the magistrates' court and moving on to the Crown Court, and dealing with the various avenues for appeal. In each area, the main principles are clearly set out, with an explanation and references to statutes and cases where appropriate. Guidance is also given at various points where further research may be needed for a particular case. The second section of the manual deals with sentencing, which is now an integral part of criminal litigation. The text looks not only at the maximum penalties which the court can impose, but also deals with the process of sentencing, including the procedure following conviction, the range of sentences available and the factors likely to influence the sentence which is actually passed.
In this way, it provides guidance for tasks which the barrister has to carry out, such as the advice on sentence and the plea in mitigation.