Essential Magistrates Courts Law

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.

Howard Riddle was Senior District Judge (Chief Magistrate) for England and Wales from 2010-2016 and is a law tutor and former practitioner in a legal aid firm of solicitors in East London. He was awarded the CBE for services to the administration of justice in 2018.

Judge Robert Zara is a former solicitor who also worked in a law centre in Coventry before setting-up his own high street legal aid firm. From 2006-2009 he was the designated judge in charge of the Community Justice Court in Birmingham; and among other related involvements has also served for some years as a tutor for the Judicial College.