Blackstone's Magistrates' Court Handbook 2026

The new edition of the bestselling Blackstone's Magistrates' Court Handbook provides a complete practical guide for the busy practitioner. Incorporating full references to the Magistrates' Court Sentencing Guidelines, it offers all you need in one trustworthy source.

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. Cross-referencing to Blackstone's Criminal Practice 2026 provides you with easy access to in-depth commentary.

Bartholomew Dalton,Caroline Liggins

Bartholomew Dalton is a Senior Associate in 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 has been recognised as a 'Star Associate' in Chambers and Partners and as a recommended lawyer in Legal 500. Bartholomew is a solicitor member of the Criminal Procedure Rules Committee, a committee member and the law reform officer for the London Criminal Courts Solicitors' Association and is a member of Criminal Law Week's commentary board.


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 have 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).

Part A: Evidence and ProcedurePart B: Youths in the Adult CourtPart C: OffencesPart D: SentencingAppendix 1: Preparation for Effective TrialAppendix 2: Extracts from the Criminal Procedure RulesAppendix 3: Rehabilition PeriodsAppendix 4: Supplement to Handbook of Youths in the Criminal Courts (Third Edition)