Advocacy in the Magistrates' Court

James Welsh, Certified Inns Advocacy Trainer Head of Advocacy Training, BPP Law School Practising Door Tenant, Bedford Row.

• Introduction, 1 Getting to court 2 On arrival 3 Courtroom basics and etiquette 4 Getting a representation order (legal aid) 5 First appearances - asking for disclosure 6 Bail 7 Warrants for non-attendance 8 Breach of bail conditions 9 Plea before venue (PBV) 10 Entering a plea 11 Committal proceedings 12 Reviewing readiness for trial and pre-trial reviews 13 Reviewing disclosure 14 Summary trial 15 Sentencing 16 Breach proceedings 17 Road traffic hearings 18 Youth courts 19 Video link courts

'This is an excellent book for a nervous beginner. It is small enough to fit into a handbag or pocketa book that deserves to be widely read by the young bar'. Counsel, March 2004 An invaluable guide to the ins and outs of the arcane art of Advocacy in a magistrates court setting. Wet-behind-the-ears defence solicitors and barristers would do well to thumb the relevant pages of this book before their pre-trial review or bail application. As well as offering practical advice on procedure and tips on effective advocacy, it covers more esoteric points, such as going equipped with tissues for your client and when it isn't appropriate to address the tribunal as 'you'Coherent, logical and clear approach makes the book easy to navigate and a great resource for swotting up on the train on the way to the venue.' Trainee Magazine, March 2004