Description

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The Domestic Violence Crime, and Victims Act 2004 is the biggest overhaul of domestic violence legislation in thirty years, introducing new powers for the police and courts to tackle offenders whilst ensuring that victims get the support and protection they need. The Act received Royal Assent at the end of 2004. It will have a very significant impact on existing legislation and practice--notably the Family Law Act 1996 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. This Guide provides a full, clear analysis of the Act and a detailed explanation of its many provisions with practical pointers on resulting changes to practice and procedure. It contains the full text of the Act, plus the text of key related legislation as amended by the Act. It is an essential tool for all criminal and family law practitioners faced with domestic violence cases.

About the Author

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Melanie Johnson is a barrister at 1 Pump Court Chambers specialising in Family Law. She conducts seminars in domestic violence remedies and enforcement, and care proceedings. She is a member of the FLBA and has published an article on Domestic Violence and Part IV Family Law Act 1996 in 'The Review', a journal sponsored by the Solicitors Family Law Association. Elizabeth Lawson QC is a barrister at 1 Pump Court Chambers specialising in Family Law and sits as a Deputy High Court Judge. Lindsay Adams is a barrister at 1 Pump Court Chambers. She is head of the Crime Group and practises in the areas of criminal and family law. Along with Melanie Johnson she regularly conducts seminars in domestic violence remedies and enforcement, and care proceedings. Lindsay contributed to the Bar Council and CBA response to the White Paper, Justice for All, which was published in October 2002.Stephen Field is a barrister at 1 Pump Court Chambers. He specialises in criminal law. John Lamb is a barrister at 1 Pump Court Chambers. He was formerly the Head of the Crime Group at New Court Chambers before moving to 1 Pump Court in April 2003. He is a specialist criminal practitioner with extensive experience of sexual offences and violence in a domestic context.