Book Review: Introduction to the Magistrates' Court
| Published date | 01 April 1996 |
| Date | 01 April 1996 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/0032258X9606900215 |
| Subject Matter | Book Review |
BOOK REVIEWS
INTRODUCTION
TO
THE
MAGISTRATES' COURT, by Bryan
Gibson. Waterside Press.
Paperback
£12.
This very well-written book includes aglossary of words, phrases and
abbreviations (the language
of
the system). I would certainly agree with
the author's sentiments when he writes, "On joining the magistrates'
courts, I was struck by the lack of basic information"; he goes on to explain
how he was handed several historical works, and some practitioners'
books, which were heavy going. This book reduces the subject to a
readable size and should prove sufficient for serving police officers.
This second edition covers much that is relevant: chapter 9 covers 10
common procedures, eg, bail, licensing extensions, dangerous dogs,
penalty points and warrants, inter alia.
Altogether, a very useful little book for those appearing in magistrates'
courts. The author is a barrister-at-law with many years experience as a
justices' clerk, and a regular contributor to Justice
of
the Peace &Local
Government Law.
TEXTBOOK
ON
CRIMINOLOGY,
2nd
edn, by
Katherine
S.
Williams. Blackstone Press Ltd.
Paperback
£16.95.
The book approaches the subject as a whole and covers the issues most
frequently studied by students. Many police officers will have wondered
at one time or another why people commit crime, others take it further and
seek some sort of qualification in criminology. This second edition, still
at a very reasonable price, will provide asuitable foundation for any study
in this area.
CASES AND MATERIALSON EVIDENCE,
3rd
edn, by S. Cooper.
Blackstone Press Ltd.
Paperback
£22.95.
This new edition replaces Murphy and Beaumont's Evidence
for
Discussion which itself replaced their Evidence: Cases and Argument.
This edition has been substantially revised. The fictional cases featured in
previous editions have been removed and a more traditional approach has
been adopted.
The book is primarily designed for students reading evidence at
undergraduate level; however, since evidence is such a vital subject, the
book may beread independently for any studies or with its sisterpublication,
A Practical Approach to Evidence.
This edition has been updated to include the most recent cases and the
Criminal Justice and Public Order Bill 1993 (now Act).
If
you are looking
for a reasonably priced book on evidence this would serve your needs.
The author is a lecturer in law at Newcastle Law School where he
specializes in evidence and criminal law. He is also the author
of
Blackstone's Guide to the Road Traffic
Act
1991.
April 1996 The Police Journal 183
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