March 26, 2026
RLC members Steven Ball and Hugh French were invited by Law Gazette to review two latest legal publications shaping current conversations in criminal justice and policing:
Parole Board Hearings – law and practice (4th edition) Hamish Arnott, Simon Creighton, Dr Laura Janes KC ****
Steven Ball noted that the authors provided a clear and thoughtful analysis in this accessible guide to the parole system in England and Wales. His review highlights how the book breaks down each stage of the process, clarifies the role of the Parole Board and offers much‑needed insight into an area of law often perceived as opaque. He notes its value for practitioners, students and anyone seeking to understand how parole decisions are made, challenged and reviewed. He awarded it 4 stars. Read review here
Defending Suspects at Police Stations (9th edition) — Ed Cape, Matthew Hardcastle and Sandra Paul *****
Hugh French comments on how this publication examines the journey from police station to charge and its practical, practitioner‑focused guidance on this earliest and most influential stage of the criminal justice process. Hugh notes the text’s clear advice on interviews, disclosure, police powers and defence strategy, describing it as an essential resource for lawyers navigating the realities of police station representation. Hugh awarded the book 5 stars. Read more here
