Blackstone's Guide to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008

The Blackstone's Guide Series delivers concise and accessible books covering the latest legislative changes and amendments. Published soon after enactment, they offer expert commentary by leading names on the effects, extent and scope of the legislation, plus a full copy of the Act itself. They offer a cost-effective solution to key information needs and are the perfect companion for any practitioner needing to get up to speed with the latest changes. The Criminal Justice and Immigration Act received Royal Assent in May 2008 and draws together a wide range of policy issues, from youth justice to 'foreign criminals'. A large part of the Act focuses on sentencing and is a response to our overcrowded prisons. The Act introduces important new offences (including incitement to hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation and possession of extreme pornographic images), and a number of significant changes to criminal law and procedure. The Act also expands on the range of civil 'behaviour orders' available in the criminal courts by extending the existing 'crack house' closure order regime for premises upon which anti-social behaviour takes place and by introducing a new Violent Offender Order. It also introduces a new restricted immigration status, following the Home Secretary's defeat in the Court of Appeal in the 'Afghan Hijackers' case in 2006. This new Blackstone's Guide combines the full text of the Act with an expert narrative. It seeks to explain the scope and impact of the Act, including the civil liberties implications, and bring practitioners right up-to-date with this complex piece of drafting. Presented in a straightforward layout, it enables ease of use as a reference source.