Quotes include:
Law Society Book Review
Banks on Sentence has it all in one volume. Banks on Sentence must be essential for solicitor-advocates and Crown Court judges. A small unscientific poll by your reviewer revealed that eight out of nine judges who are asked, relied on Banks' third edition. It is manageable and its language is clear and readable, as opposed to academic. Moreover, it is absolutely comprehensive and contains a large number of cases that were unreported and not found elsewhere. Are there any negative comments? Not unless you are wedded to the loose-leaf format and file the updates promptly as they arrive. Even here, Banks is ahead of the game because he provides updates online. You will be on top of your game in court with Banks in your hand. Buy it.
Duncan Adams
Recorder, District judge and solicitor
For full review click
John Hirst's review of Banks on Sentence by Robert Banks from Inside Time, October 2009 edition:
John Hirst, author of the Jailhouse Lawyer's blog, is suitably impressed by the definitive book for determining the type and length of sentence for almost all prosecuted offences.
Robert Banks states that the three main aims of his legal text are "Completeness, ease of reference and portability". Certainly the author succeeds with the first two. However weighing in at 2 1/2 lbs or 1.2kgs, portability for prisoners might be an obvious problem. Not so much for lawyers who tend to have wheeled carriers for all their tomes.
I found the index particularly helpful, with almost 3,000 entries, and good cross references. In relation to the Basic Principles on sentencing at 23.6 prison overcrowding is a factor to be taken into account. What a pity that the judge who sentenced the lesbian teacher to 15 months for an affair with a 15 year old school girl did not read this section! A community sentence would have sufficed given there was no risk to the public. There is even a section on Discounts for those suffering harsh prison conditions.
I know from my experience in prison law that it is not just the reported cases which may contain important points of law; I have found many little gems in the unreported cases. Banks on Sentence by containing so many unreported cases makes an invaluable addition to any law library.
Some may argue that there is another text on sentencing considered to be 'the bible'. However, in this case Banks on Sentence could be guilty of bible bashing. Priced at £46 for a single copy and £30 for multiple copies, purchasing it is not going to break the bank and it will be a worthy investment. Whilst banks around the world are collapsing, I would recommend putting money where you won't get robbed … Banks on Sentence.
John Hirst
The book does what it says it does. It finds you the right sentence.
Circuit Judge South-Eastern circuit
Enormously helpful.
Circuit Judge Midland circuit
(about previous edition)
Invaluable. Great value.
Sir Jo Walker-Smith
It is excellent and a brilliant reference book. The last edition was the best book money I spent.
H H Judge Hammond
Leicester Crown Court
It is brilliant. As a family practitioner who also sits as a Recorder I cannot tell you how useful your book is to me.
Mark Horton
Colleton chambers
The new edition of Banks on Sentence is even better and provides a clear guide in this increasingly complex area.
H H Judge Barker QC
(the Common Serjeant of London)
Banks on Sentence has become an indispensable and lucid guide to judges and practitioners alike. It is authoritive, erudite and yet extremely accessible. Robert Banks' selection of illustrative cases is particularly valuable. The summaries provide a model of accuracy, succinctness and clarity. The on-line updates are always to the same high standard and ensure the book is always up to date. The author's scholarship extends to analysis of currently unreported cases of importance, ensuring comprehensive coverage from the widest possible sources of knowledge. The fourth edition can be recommended without reservation as a core text for every criminal lawyer.
Andy Hall
former Chairman of the CBA
The book is invaluable to the busy solicitor mastering the sentencing maze. It is comprehensive, easy to use and up to date. The large number of cases and other source material cannot be found elsewhere.
Brian Rose-Smith
London solicitor
This title has been a continuous bestseller.
Hammicks
Booksellers London
