Sexual Offences: Law & Practice, 4th edition

Rook & Ward on Sexual Offences is an invaluable reference guide for all those involved in defending, prosecuting and trying sexual offences. It gives a clear exposition of all aspects of the law in this area, showing not only how the law on sexual offences has been thoroughly reformed, but discussing what new offences it creates, and the new procedures and penalties it introduces.

With detailed coverage of both offences and procedure, it has a strong practitioner focus and includes detailed guidance on how to deal with problems encountered in practice.

The new 4th edition will cover a few more specialist areas such as:

• Historic cases
• Medical Evidence on child sex abuse
• The effects of the psychological trauma of sexual assault upon victims
• Trial of young defendants accused of sexual offences.
• Sexual offences in the Magistrates Court.
• How the Sexual Offences Act 2003 Act relates to the Northern Ireland Articles stressing the points that are important for Northern Ireland

Rook & Ward: 

• Defines the offence as set out in the relevant statute, providing historical context, detailing the mode of trial and punishment, bail conditions, alternative verdict (where applicable), sentencing specifically to that offence, parties to the offence, the marriage exception (where relevant), consent and mental element (ie intent)
• Provides practical and detailed advice on evidence, disclosure and sentencing
• Clarifies the difficult area of admissibility of previous sexual history evidence
• Explains how to present and test DNA evidence in court and provides an analysis of medical evidence issues by a forensic medical examiner
• Deals with the regime for vulnerable witness
• Explains the Sentencing Guidance Council’s definitive guideline in respect of sentencing in sexual cases in April 2007
• Examines important developments in respect of evidential and sentencing provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 which have had far reaching consequences for anyone involved in the trial of sexual offences
• Revisits key definitions in the Sexual Offences Act 2003 in light of important Court of Appeal decisions
• Uses flowcharts and checklists to aid practitioners