Last word on criminal defence

Criminal defence: the good practice guideRoger Ede and Anthony EdwardsLaw Society Publishing, 34.95Franklin sinclair

Even before opening a book written by two such distinguished experts, one anticipates a first-rate work.

However, in this case, the quality of the material surpasses all expectations.Criminal Defence covers all aspects of a criminal case and is presented in a user-friendly form, including short-titled sections with helpful bullet points that are easy to refer back to.With so many regular changes in law and practice the book is completely up to date with references to human rights factors, the Narey hearings and plea before venue.There is detailed and helpful advice about solicitors' professional duties and on best practice with regard to preparation of cases at the police station and thereafter to the conclusion of the case.

Criminal lawyers will in particular be assisted by the chapter on 'Funding the case', which includes valuable guidance on the information needed to go on legal aid application forms and the latest rules on payment for Narey hearings and parenting orders/anti-social behaviour orders.However, there is no doubt that the most useful section of Criminal Defence is contained in the appendices with the text of the European Convention on Human Rights, helpful Home Office circulars, the code for crown prosecutors, magistrates, sentencing guidelines and national mode of trial guidelines.If there is one small criticism, it is that because the book has so much invaluable information it has the drawback of being too bulky to carry around and take to court.There is no doubt that every practice doing crime must have a copy in its library especially with the forthcoming accreditation procedures for solicitors.Franklin Sinclair is chairman of the Criminal Law Solicitors Association and senior partner of Tuckers in Manchester.