Publications

Human Rights in Criminal Law

In Human Rights in Criminal Law, Ben Douglas-Jones KC, Daniel Bunting, Paul Mason and Benjamin Newton focus on the impact of human rights law at every stage of the criminal process. The book was described by CrimeLine as "the definitive text on human rights considerations in the context of criminal cases".

 

Human Rights in Criminal Law traces the principal human rights issues that arise from protections that apply during an investigation, before a suspect even knows they are a suspect, to powers of arrest and search, and treatment at the police station. The book then considers every stage of the criminal court process up to any potential appeal before the domestic courts and the European Court of Human Rights.

 

"When chairing the Independent Human Rights Act Review, I studied a vast amount of material on human rights, though nothing specifically focused on criminal law in the man of this work. Had Human Rights in Criminal Law been available at the time, it would have been a most welcome addition to the learning. I commend this work" - Sir Peter Gross.


Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery: Law and Practice

 

Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery: Law and Practice, Second Edition (Bloomsbury) provides guidance to those who deal directly or indirectly with those affected by modern slavery and trafficking, employ or manage a workforce, or have oversight of supply chains.

 

In the book's foreword, the Rt Hon Lady Justice Nicola Davies DBE, wrote: "It is guidance which can properly form the basis of advice to be given by practitioners. It is necessary and welcome.”

 

Meanwhile, Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, recommended the book in her 2020 report on “The Modern Slavery Act 2015 Statutory Defence: A call for evidence”.

 

According to Crimeline, "Rarely can the talent of so many practitioners be accessed in one convenient resource". The London Advocate stated: "Anyone investing in this book can feel confident they will not only be able to handle their problems but will have the skills and knowledge to ensure a just outcome.”

 

 

 

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AI in Criminal Law

At a time when AI is already being integrated into the criminal justice systems of the US and other countries, and legal professionals are considering the accuracy and impact of using AI in their preparatory work, AI in Criminal Law provides much-needed insights for legal practitioners.

 

This succinct volume covers the core questions and issues facing legal practitioners – from an overview of core AI concepts and data protections, to use of AI in preparing skeleton arguments and writing submissions. It also explores the use of AI by criminals in England and Wales and abroad. This is important for practitioners as they need to be aware of how new technology is increasingly facilitating criminal activity, particularly fraud, money laundering, and theft of private information.

 

Written by an author team who combine experience of AI policy and regulation with the legal practitioner's perspective, this unique book brings those working in criminal and cyber law up to date with how AI has already been, and will continue to be, integrated into different phases of the criminal justice process and will therefore likely impact on their practice 

 

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Rook and Ward on Sexual Offences

Ben is a contributing editor of Rook and Ward on Sexual Offences, which is published by Sweet & Maxwell.

 

A leading work on sexual offences, Rook & Ward on Sexual Offences provides coverage of the most up to date legislation including key decisions relating to the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and important developments in respect of evidence, practice, and procedure.

 

Rook & Ward on Sexual Offences is an essential tool for all those involved in prosecuting, defending and trying sexual offence cases - including lawyers, police officers and medical practitioners. 

 

According to Lord Justice Fulford, Vice President of the Court of Appeal - Criminal Division - (in regard to the book's 5th Edition): “This book shines a penetrating — indeed brilliant — light on this rapidly evolving landscape....It is difficult to see how anyone involved in these cases will be able to discharge their function properly without this text lying somewhere close at hand. I commend it without reservation.”  

 

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Archbold: Criminal Pleading, Evidence & Practice

Ben is a contributing editor of Archbold: Criminal Pleading, Evidence & Practice, the leading criminal court book for the Crown Court published by Sweet & Maxwell.

 

First published over 200 years ago, Archbold aims to be an invaluable aid to practising criminal law in the Crown Court. The new edition features amendments and regulations made by new legislation, such as the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. Secondary legislation includes changes to corporate criminal liability introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and offences introduced by the Online Safety Act 2023.

 

The Supreme Court has tackled some significant issues since the publication of the last edition of Archbold. It has overturned decisions of the Court of Appeal, such as El-Khouri v Government of the USA [2025] UKSC 3 (money laundering/proceeds of crime), and made significant Court of Appeal decisions including Bhatti [2025] EWCA Crim 8 (on Lucas lies directions); Deeprose; Papworth [2024] EWCA Crim 1431 (can a vehicle be a weapon taken to the scene in murder offences); and Hallam [2025] EWCA Crim 199 (re conscientious motive in sentencing protest).

 

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GUIDE TO THE CONSUMER RIGHTS ACT 2015

 

The Consumer Rights Act is a vital and far-reaching piece of legislation containing provisions specific to contract and consumer law, criminal law, and competition law. It sets out a much-needed framework to consolidate the key consumer rights surrounding contracts for goods, services, and digital content, as well as the law relating to unfair terms in consumer contracts.

 

This Blackstone's Guide, written by a team of leading experts in the field, provides clear and concise coverage of the Consumer Rights Act's history, scope, and application. It is the complete resource for anyone looking for an introduction to this wide-ranging Act.

 

The Blackstone's Guide Series delivers concise and accessible books covering the latest legislative changes and amendments. Published soon after enactment, they offer expert commentary by leading names on the scope, extent and effects of the legislation, plus a full copy of the Act itself. They offer a cost-effective solution to key information needs and are the perfect companion for any practitioner needing to get up to speed with the latest changes.

 

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Further publications

Ben is also the author of the following publications:

  • Crown Court Compendium for Judges
  • Expert Evidence: A Practitioner’s Guide to Effective Psychological Evidence in Judicial Settings edited by Leam A Craig; Wiley 
  • CPS Guidance Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
  • CPS guidance on prosecuting immigration offences
  • Law Society guidance on trafficking and immigration crime

Published Articles

Conspiring to define conspiracy to defraud - The Lawyer

In this article, Ben examined changes in the law with regard to conspiracy to defraud  

 

The difference between civil and criminal contempt of court - Lexis Nexis

Ben was interviewed about the difference between civil and criminal contempt of court by Robert Matthews of Lexis Nexis

 

Contempt is not a Crime - The Lawyer

Ben and Stuart Miller, managing partner of Miller Rosenfalck LLP, European Business Lawyers explored contempt in criminal law

 

Guidance on Charging and Prosecuting Victims of Human Trafficking 

At the invitation of the then DPP, Keir Starmer QC, Ben co-wrote this guidance with Carolyn Oakley, Specialist Prosecutor and Pam Bowen, the CPS Policy Lead on Human Trafficking

http://www.cps.gov.uk/publications/docs/policy_for_prosecuting_cases_of_human_trafficking.pdf

http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/h_to_k/human_trafficking_and_smuggling/#a16

 

Unsilent Witness - Commercial Litigation Journal

Ben and James Stanbury, partner in RGL Forensics' London, explored the factors that need to be considered when instructing a forensic accountant

 

Stagg payout – a unique amount for a unique case – The Lawyer

Ben examined the demise of the ex gratia compensation scheme for miscarriages of justice

 


Seminars

Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Victims who Offend Identification, Non Prosecution and Section 45 Seminar

 

Fraudulent Trading – Locked Up In Lockdown and Beyond Seminar

 

 

Lexis Nexis Webinar Commercial Series - 2015

Consumer Rights Package

Ben with Claire Andrews, Head of Gough Square Chambers, delivered a talk concerning the regulatory framework including the new Bill

 

Lexis Nexis Webinar Commercial Series - 2014

Consumer Rights Directive

Ben with Denis Barry delivered a talk concerning the Directive

 

Trading Standards Conference 2014

“Big Changes Around the Corner” - The Consumer Rights Bill

Ben with Denis Barry delivered a talk concerning the new Bill

 

Trading Standards Conference 2011

Ben with Edward Jenkins KC delivered a talk entitled Low cost RESA 2008 - Low Cost Regulation

 

London Tobacco Control Conference 2011

Tackling Irregular Access: a seminar on the underage use of cigarette vending machines.

 

Trading Standards Conference 2010

Ben delivered a talk concerning the Digital Economy Act 2010