The ninth edition of Sentencing in Hong Kong is an essential text for anyone involved in the criminal law, as well as for students and analysts. It examines all aspects of sentencing law, practice and procedure, and considers the impact of latest developments. These include the way in which assistance to the authorities should be evaluated, the weight to be placed upon victims’ interests, and sentencing for public order offences.

Significant judgments are incorporated, and the updated Appendix contains the cases on sentencing principles and quantum of sentence, and indicates customary sentencing ranges. The effect of constitutional changes on sentencing is considered, as also are legislative changes. Aggravating and mitigating factors invariably affect sentence, and chapters have been expanded to accommodate recent decisions. The constitutionality of sentencing guidelines is considered, as also is the role of reviews of sentence in maintaining public confidence in criminal justice. The text overall has undergone modernisation, and case law from other jurisdictions has been widely referenced to illustrate particular propositions and provide a comparative context. At a time of turbulence in society, just sentencing has assumed yet greater significance, and the arrival of the ninth edition is welcome. It will not only provide guidance for courts and legal professionals, but also enlightenment for the wider community.

Grenville Cross SBS, QC, SC is the Vice Chairman (Senate) of the International Association of Prosecutors, and chairs the Association’s Standing Committee on Prosecutors in Difficulty. A career prosecutor, he served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 1997 to 2009. Mr Cross was called to the Bar by the Middle Temple in 1974, and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1990, becoming Senior Counsel in 1997. He is Honorary Professor of Law, University of Hong Kong, Visiting Professor of Law, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Adjunct Professor of Law, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing, and Visiting Professor of Law, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan. Mr Cross is the Sentencing Editor of Hong Kong Cases and of Archbold Hong Kong. He is the Patron of Against Child Abuse, and Honorary Consultant to the Child Protection Institute. In 2010, Mr Cross was awarded the Certificate of Merit of the International Association of Prosecutors, for services to international prosecutions.