This book provides unrivalled coverage on one of the most high profile stages in the criminal justice process. It examines the key issues in sentencing policy and practice, providing an up-to-date account of the legislation on sentencing, together with the growing Court of Appeal case law. This third edition incorporates the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997, the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, several new guidelines judgments issued by the present Lord Chief Justice and examines the role of the Sentencing Advisory Panel. The author has also expanded the chapter on special sentencing powers to take account of all the new law on young offenders and the mentally disordered.