Taylor on Criminal Appeals

The third edition of Taylor on Criminal Appeals was published by Oxford University Press on 31st July 2022.

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The book is written by a team led by Paul Taylor KC (Head of the DSC Appeals Unit), including 14 members of Doughty Street, and other leading experts in criminal appeals.
The aim of this book is to provide to those confronted with a potential criminal appeal or judicial review a detailed guide to the practice and procedure.
The chapters cover challenges to decisions of the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts, judicial review and case stated, the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division), the Supreme Court, the Privy Council, the European Court of Human Rights, and the Criminal Cases Review Commission, as well as the Royal Prerogative of Mercy and funding and costs issues.
The text addresses the various stages in a potential appeal or review, from identifying grounds and forum for challenge, to setting out the procedure for launching, preparing for, and presenting the challenge.
Each chapter contains a detailed analysis of the approach of the appellate courts in specific areas, and the flow charts and references to online resources (such as the procedural rules and forms) are aimed at assisting the practitioner at each stage of the proceedings.
The book covers significant changes and the large volume of case law that has impacted procedural as well as substantive issues in the last 10 years since the last edition. It includes references to the Sentencing Code, Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, and the latest amendments to the Criminal Procedure Rules.
There is a new chapter on “Taking a case to European”, setting out the practice and procedure in the European Court of Human Rights.

Lord Hodge, Deputy President of the Supreme Court, wrote in the foreword:

“…At a time when the criminal justice system faces these significant difficulties, it is especially important that practitioners should have a reliable and comprehensive guide to the complexities of the criminal appellate system so that they can play their role in avoiding or remedying miscarriages of justice. …

The courts will be assisted by this updated work, and I expect to see it cited before long in the Supreme Court or the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. …

Paul Taylor and his fellow contributors are to be congratulated for providing this guidance which I do not doubt will assist practitioners in their important work in the interests of justice.”

Previous editions

The first and second editions of the book were cited variously in the House of Lords, Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, Court of Appeal (Criminal Division), Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland, Final Court of Appeal in Hong Kong, Court of Appeal of New Zealand, High Court of Fuji, Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, and Caribbean Court of Justice.

In the foreword to the first edition (2000) Lord Steyn stated:

“…For the criminal practitioner a thorough knowledge of the law and practice governing appeals is essential. Unfortunately, the subject is complex and many scattered sources need to be consulted. There was a huge gap which this book now admirably fills. It deals coherently and accurately with the subject. It is an essential tool for solicitors, barristers and judges.

I will ensure that it is placed in the library of the Law Lords’ Corridor.”

In the foreword to the second edition (2012), Sir John Thomas (as he then was), President of the QBD, commented:

[Our appeals system] “requires a comprehensive guide to the entire system. That is provided by this work through its explanations of the procedure applicable to the different routes of appeal and its detailed analysis of important issues…The chapters on appeals to the [CACD] are comprehensive in their scope and clear in their analysis of major issues such as the approach to fresh evidence…”

Reviews of the previous (second) edition (2012)

Anthony Edwards, TV Edwards LLP

“…Against all my instincts this work is an essential companion for anyone undertaking criminal cases. …It is clear, comprehensive and extraordinarily well-written. …This work sets out everything that the advocate could require to know, whether on conviction or sentencing appeals. …Everything I needed was there with a clear explanation and the authorities identified. The approach is extremely practical with good commonsense advice.

Campbell Malone, sometime partner and consultant at Stephenons LLP (Wigan)

…. It is clear and practical guidance for all….It provides a comprehensive guide to all aspects of the appeal process from Magistrates Courts to the Supreme Court in a forthright and practical way. …In my view this book is indispensable for any serious criminal practitioner, whether they be experienced appellate lawyers or not.

Andrew Keogh, CrimeLine (2012)

“We have waited years for the revised edition of this work, and it has been worth it. The editor has assembled a stellar team of contributors to produce a book that will effortlessly guide the practitioner through the appellate court system.”

Contributors

The book is written by specialist practitioners, led by Paul Taylor KC, and a team of 14 members of Doughty Street Chambers, and other leading experts in criminal appeals.

Edward Fitzgerald KC

Emma Goodall KC

Richard Thomas KC

Farrhat Arshad

Benjamin Newton

Daniella Waddoup

Pippa Woodrow

Hayley Douglas

David Rhodes

Maryam Mir

Paul Mason

Karlia Lykourgou