Sexual Offences Handbook

The law and procedure relating to sexual offences is notoriously complex. Since the advent of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, the law (both as to the offences and as to sentencing) changes depending on when the offence was committed, the age of the parties involved and the nature of the act committed. This guide deals with historic and recent sexual offences, providing a step-by-step approach to the relevant law and procedure, including matters arising before and during trials, from the perspectives of both prosecution and the defence. It also provides coverage of proposed amendments and new legislation arising from the Policing and Crime Bill 2008 and the Coroners and Justice Bill 2009.

Written by two practitioners with extensive experience of preparing and presenting sex crime trials, this practical and accessible work will prove an invaluable reference for all practitioners working within this specialised area of criminal law.