It has been a long time between editions of this book, the first having been published in 2003. In the wake of recent amendments to the Bail Act 1977 (Vic), and with further change potentially on the horizon, the release of Bail Law in Victoria comes at an opportune moment. … [It] is a useful reference guide for practitioners conducting applications for bail. Read full review… – Adam Chernok, InPrint, Law Institute Journal Victoria, Jan-Feb 2016
Reviews of previous edition:
This is a helpful guide for practitioners in Criminal Law. With a focus that is primarily practical, it provides detailed information on case law and legislation in respect to all aspects of bail. It also adequately sets out the steps and procedures involved in applications for bail for both solicitors and advocates. A publication such as this has been long overdue given that bail is an issue which is relevant to the many stages of the criminal process and can often involve complex issues. The guide would benefit practitioners in many jurisdictions … The material is presented in a user-friendly format, is well researched and divided into easy to find sections. It contains background information on the principles of bail law and also covers the appeals process, evidentiary issues and advocacy in bail applications. – Law Institute Victoria Criminal Law Section Newsletter, June 2004
A useful reference, … this book is unassuming, accessibly written and well-organised. Bail Law in Victoria is organised into logical sections which systematically set out the legislative framework and the general principles in relation to the grant, refusal and continuation of bail; bail at committal, trial and on appeal; bail for federal offences and in the Children’s Court; and evidence, practice and advocacy in bail applications. There is a considerable amount of case law and practice that pertains uniquely to bail applications. Moreover, practice and law differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. … A series of decisions is reviewed by the authors about when delay in a trial or a committal constitute “ exceptional circumstances”, as well as issues such as poor health of the accused and weakness in the prosecution case. This is very useful material for solicitors and barristers alike …A further element in bail applications is the consideration of whether there is “unacceptable risk” … the book helpfully and straightforwardly reviews the relevant authorities … The practical sections on evidence, practice and advocacy in bail applications are helpful and constructive. …[The book] should lead to more precedent-influenced decision-making and better structured and planned arguments by defence and prosecution representatives … This book should be regarded as an obligatory purchase for Victorian criminal law practitioners. – Law Institute Journal (Victoria), April 2004