Blackstone’s Magistrates’ Court Handbook 2024

The new edition of the bestselling Blackstone’s Magistrates’ Court Handbook provides a complete, trustworthy practical guide for the busy practitioner.

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. Users are signposted to the relevant sentencing guidelines for each offence, allowing for prompt access to the up-to-date guideline online. Cross-referencing to Blackstone’s Criminal Practice 2024 provides you with easy access to in-depth commentary.

Bartholomew Dalton, Caroline Liggins

Bartholomew Dalton is a solicitor and key member of the Serious and General Crime team at top-ranked London criminal defence firm Hickman & Rose. He is an experienced litigator and advocate in the Magistrates’ Courts and is a recommended lawyer in the Legal 500 legal directory. Bartholomew is a committee member and the law reform officer for the London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association.

Caroline Liggins is a Partner and Head of the Youth Team at Hodge Jones & Allen, a leading London law firm. A recommended lawyer in Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners with extensive experience in the Magistrates’ Courts. Caroline is also recognised as an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion (EDI). Caroline’s knowledge and expertise has seen her regularly called upon to be a part of All-Party Parliamentary Groups, Working Party with Justice, Justice Select Committees and discussions with the Ministry of Justice. She also provided the impetus for the formation of the Youth Practitioner’s Association (YPA).