This new handbook is designed as a highly practical guide to the complex law of sentencing in the context of sentencing guidelines. The overarching guidelines are fully described in the text and the updated magistrates' court guidelines are set out in full. The handbook offers comprehensive coverage of the law and practice of sentencing relating to both magistrates' court and the Crown Court. Prepared for both defense litigators, to assist in preparation, and advocates, to assist in presentation, it will prove invaluable as a quick reference in court. The book also helps prosecutors with their duties as to sentencing effective under the Criminal Procedure Rules from 6th April 2009. In addition, the free accompanying CD-ROM enables fast and easy access to relevant guidance from the Sentencing Guidelines Council. "The Sentencing Handbook" takes full account of the: Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000; Criminal Justice Act 2003; and, Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008. The guide also incorporates all the expected forthcoming changes likely to be introduced in 2009 such as those on case allocation and the new Youth Court sentences.