The new edition of the bestselling Blackstone's Magistrates' Court Handbook provides a complete practical guide for the busy practitioner. Incorporating full references to the Magistrates' Court Sentencing Guidelines, it offers all you need in one trustworthy source.

Covering all the key aspects of magistrates' court practice, the book focuses on the areas most likely to arise at short notice requiring an instant response from the advocate, as well as on those offences most frequently experienced at court, such as assault, public order, dishonesty, drugs, weapons, driving, criminal damage, and sexual offences.

Blackstone's Magistrates' Court Handbook's easy-to-use pocket-sized format facilitates quick reading and instant decision-making. Tables, flow-charts, and a clear system of icons aid comprehension and speedy navigation. Cross-referencing to Blackstone's Criminal Practice 2023 provides you with easy access to in-depth commentary.

Part A Procedure and Evidence
A1. Abuse of Process
A2. Adjournments
A3. Admissibility and Exclusion of Evidence
A4. Allocation and Plea before Venue
A5. Amending Charge
A6. Appeals and Reopening
A7. Bad Character
A8. Bail
A9. Binding Rulings
A10. Case Management
A11. Civil Orders
A12. Commencing Proceedings: Time Limits
A13. Costs
A14. Court- Appointed Legal Representatives
A15. Custody Time Limits
A16. Disclosure
A17. Hearsay
A18. Identification Evidence
A19. Legal Aid
A20. Mental Disorder
A21. Misbehaviour at Court
A22. Presence of Defendant and Prosecutor in Court
A23. Pre- Charge Hearings
A24. Remand Periods
A25. Reporting Restrictions
A26. Sending and Transfer for Trial
A27. Special Measures and Vulnerable Witnesses
A28. Submission of No Case
A29. Transfer/ Remittal of Criminal Cases
A30. Video/ Live Links
A31. Witnesses, Issue of Summons, or Warrant
Part B Youths in the Adult Court
B1. Age of Offender and the Position of Those Attaining 18
B2. Bail
B3. Breach of Orders, and New Offences Committed during an Order
B4. Jurisdiction of the Adult Magistrates Court over Youths
B5. Managing the Case
B6. Remittal to the Youth Court for Trial/ Sentence
B7. Reporting Restrictions
B8. Sentencing
Part C Offences
C1. Animal Offences
C2. Breach Offences
C3. Administration of Justice
C4. Communication Network Offences
C5. Computer Misuse
C6. Criminal Damage
C7. Drugs
C8. Harassment Offences
C9. Immigration and Document Offences
C10. Prison Offences
C11. Public Order
C12. Road Traffic Offences Definitions
C13. Road Traffic Offences
C14. Sexual Offences
C15. Dishonesty and Offences against Property
C16. Offences against the Person
C17. Weapons Offences
Part D Sentencing
D1. Alteration of Sentence
D2. Banning Orders (Football)
D3. Breach of Prison Licence Supervision; Return to Custody
D4. Committal for Sentence
D5. Community Orders: Imposition and Breach
D6. Compensation Order
D7. Confiscation: Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
D8. Criminal Behaviour Orders
D9. Custodial Sentences
D10. Dangerous Offenders
D11. Deferment of Sentence
D12. Deprivation Order
D13. Detention in Young Offender Institution
D14. Discharges: Conditional and Absolute
D15. Discounts for Early Plea
D16. Disqualification from Driving
D17. Fines
D18. Forfeiture Order
D19. Mental Health Disposals
D20. Minimum Sentences
D21. Newton Hearings
D22. Notification Requirements
D23. Offences Taken into Consideration (TICs) and the Totality Principle
D24. Penalty Points for Driving Offences
D25. Pre- Sentence Reports
D26. Prevention Orders
D27. Prosecution Costs
D28. Racially and Religiously Aggravated Crimes; Sexual Orientation, Disability, or Transgender Identity
D29. Restraining Order
D30. Sentencing Guidelines
D31. Suspended Sentences
D32. Time on Remand or Qualifying Curfew
D33. Victim Surcharge Order