In this concise and valuable book the authors distil their vast expertise for the benefit of all those needing quick and targeted points of reference on key aspects of magistrates’ court law, whether as newcomers, justices, legal advisers, or criminal practitioners. Hugely informed and presented in an accessible format, it explains the central law, practice and procedure of these courts. The framework of summary justice has changed comprehensively in the past decade in terms of evidence, procedure, guidelines, sentencing, training and the fair but efficient expedition of cases. This book sets out these developments as well as inescapable aspects of case management. Gathers core information in one place. Sets out key processes in a manageable and readable way. Reviews 'Readable and blissfully concise... There are some nuggets for every reader, however much we might think we know... An excellent addition to the bookshelf at a modest price'-- The Law Society Gazette (external link). ‘Howard Riddle and Robert Zara have effectively produced a must-read for any judge, magistrate or lawyer practising in the magistrates’ courts. This book will become the reference book to carry to court … We thoroughly recommend it to all new judges, deputies and magistrates’— Emma Arbuthnot, Senior District Judge (Chief Magistrate) for England and Wales; John Bache, Chairman of the Magistrates Association; Duncan Webster, Chairman, Magistrates’ Leadership Executive. ‘A very clear, succinct and practical guide which would be of great value to a pupil or junior practitioner finding their feet’— Anna Banfield, BPP. ‘How useful your book is and how clear and well written I have found it. Undoubtedly an extremely useful resource’— Tom Lees JP, Greater Manchester.

FOURTH EDITION'This is an excellent book to get you started in the magistrates' court no matter what your level of participation': David Simpson (District Judge)The FOURTH EDITION of this popular work contains a basic explanation of the work of the magistrates' court and an outline of jurisdiction, procedures, sentencing and other powers - plus proposals for reform. Contains a Glossary of Words, Phrases and Abbreviations 'The Language of the System'. 'An ideal introduction' Law Society Gazette (First edition). Other editions received excellent reviews, including from The Magistrate and Victim Support etc. 1. Outline of the System2. Magistrates', Chief Executives and Justices' Clerks3. Powers, Procedures, Fairness and Human Rights4. Criminal Cases and Evidence5. Sentencing6. The Youth Court and Youth Offending Teams7. The Family Proceedings Court and CAFCASS8. Licensing Matters9. Some Common Procedures (including e.g. Bail, disqualification and endorsement, protection from harassment, anti-social behaviour orders and general emergencies)10. Law, Lawyers and State Funded Legal Representation11. Appeals12. A Quality Service - including a note on the Auld report. This book also contains an extensive Glossary of Words, Phrases and Abbreviations - which sets out 'The language of the System' - and serves to open up the world of the magistrates' courts to newcomers. As such it is essential reading for anyone unfamiliar with magistrates' courts, joining the magistracy or, e.g. completing a project on those courts.

This authoritative guide to the practice and procedure of magistrates' courts is essential reading for anyone involved in the criminal justice system. It covers everything from the jurisdiction of magistrates' courts to the preparation and presentation of a case. Thomas William Saunders draws on his extensive experience as a magistrate to provide clear and practical advice for both solicitors and laypeople. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

A simple speedy summary, this fully revised Fifth Edition takes account of the wide scale changes which have affected the work of Justices of the Peace and their courts in recent years. A unique handbook - Consistently rated excellent by reviewers - Especially useful for newcomers to the topic A most useful introduction that can be used alongside other training materials or as an ideal self-study guide. Also includes a Timeline and an extensive Glossary of Words, Phrases, Acronyms and Abbreviations - the language of the system - which will be of particular use to people wishing to quickly get to grips with the terminology of the magistrates’ courts. * Topics covered include: * the history of the magistracy and its robust heritage * the modern-day magistrates' court * recent changes in administration and powers * how people become JPs * their training, development, mentoring and appraisal * fundamental principals and tenets * the key relationship between JPs and their legal advisers * trial in the magistrates' court * summary justice, crime and anti-social behaviour * sentencing and connected items * guidelines, advice and judicial oversight * important rules and procedures * diversity, equality, fairness and human rights * relationship to the Crown Court (and other courts) * magistrates and district judges * reasoned decision-making * location within the wider Criminal Justice System * the role of the Ministry of Justice * the role of HM Court Service * adult courts, youth courts and family courts * road traffic and other 'specialist' areas * civil and 'non-police' matters * a range of 'everyday topics' * sample procedures * open justice, media reporting and public confidence * key committees, liaison arrangements and membership bodies * a wealth of further detail (but all 'uncluttered' by technical data). * Bryan Gibson is editor-in-chief, Waterside Press. He is a barrister, former co-editor of Justice of the Peace and a regular contributor to specialist journals. He was for 25 years a justices’ clerk and during much of that time an elected member of the Council of the Justices’ Clerks’ Society (and chair of its Criminal Law Committee). He is co-author (with Paul Cavadino) of The Criminal Justice System, author of The New Ministry of Justice, The New Home Office, and The Pocket A-Z of Criminal Justice (amongst many others). He has also written for The Guardian, The Stage and numerous journals including Justice of the Peace, The Independent Monitor, and Prison Journal. Mike Watkins is an experienced trainer of magistrates who has written materials for the Judicial Studies Board, Magistrates’ Association and Universities of Birmingham and Cambridge.

The Model Rules of Professional Conduct provides an up-to-date resource for information on legal ethics. Federal, state and local courts in all jurisdictions look to the Rules for guidance in solving lawyer malpractice cases, disciplinary actions, disqualification issues, sanctions questions and much more. In this volume, black-letter Rules of Professional Conduct are followed by numbered Comments that explain each Rule's purpose and provide suggestions for its practical application. The Rules will help you identify proper conduct in a variety of given situations, review those instances where discretionary action is possible, and define the nature of the relationship between you and your clients, colleagues and the courts.

A rare insight and celebration of the magistracy, Our Magistracy sets out its core role and values and identifies mistakes by politicians, administrators, bureaucrats and others. By a former chairman of the Magistrates Association of England and Wales. In this thoroughly informed account of the magistracy the author deals with key issues touching on that institution. Focussing on what Lord Bingham, Lord Chief Justice, described as a ‘democratic jewel beyond price’, he explains its rationale, goals and over-riding values. Dealing with major developments, economics, management, day-to-day practicalities and changing times the author casts an experienced eye over summary justice, law and order and its fascinating history of local administration. Describing the magistracy as a great national institution, independent, respected and a true people’s court, John Hosking nevertheless decries a halving of its size, closure of courthouses, remote services and increasing reliance on professional judges rather than community volunteers. Though much has changed for the better to increase competency, meet criticism and maintain integrity, the book explains how other developments have challenged the very status of the lay magistracy and made inroads into one of the most cherished principles of our democracy: public participation in the justice system. Extracts ‘It … ill-behoves politicians and reformers to support actions which may be designed to improve the justice system as a whole, but which devalue the magistracy in the process. Likewise, the sustainability of the magistracy can only be assured if the popular demands of the present … are met without compromising the future of the whole institution.’ ‘In addition to its unquestioned integrity and independence, the most persuasive reason for having a lay magistracy is that … it manifestly does a good job at a very low cost.’