In the light of changes to procedure and sentencing brought about by the Criminal Justice Acts 1987 and 1988 there is now a greater requirement for a step-by-step guide to the complex problems that can arise during an apparently simple case. This book is a clear and concise working manual for practitioners in the magistrates' court. The text is divided into two parts. Part one concentrates on the procedural issues which most commonly arise in practice. This includes a whole range of issues: from general chapters on summary trials and committal for trial to the details of applications for bail and orders for costs. The official codes of conduct for both barristers and solicitors have also been included, as have the Magistrates' Association sentencing guidelines for criminal and motoring offences. Part two deals with specific sentencing problems and summarizes the leading guideline cases for particular offences. The intricacies of the sentencing process are clearly explained.