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 scope, extent and effects 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 Procedure Rules govern all aspects of criminal procedure in all criminal courts. The Rules were designed to bring about a cultural change and all those involved in the criminal justice system are affected by the new regime. While many practitioners initially thought that they would have little impact upon the criminal courts, they have become an essential litigation framework. They consolidate all procedural rules with new provisions aimed at increasing efficiency and improving case management. Amendments to the rules made since their introduction render them a cradle to grave pathway that practitioners must follow, codifying rules previously contained in hundreds of different documents. The new edition of this Guide provides a full, clear analysis of the Rules, and places them in context, tracking the development of the rules since their introduction in 2005. Following the structure of the Rules, and including checklists of time limits and key tasks to be performed, the Blackstone's Guide to the Criminal Procedure Rules is an essential purchase for criminal practitioners, magistrates, and judges. The Guide contains the full updated Criminal Procedure Rules 2010, and the Consolidated Criminal Practice Direction, providing a comprehensive and up-to-date collection of relevant procedural materials.