The Criminal Trial Courts Bench Book has been designed to assist in the conduct of trials, and was developed under the direction of the Criminal Trial Courts Bench Book Committee.

The suggested directions and accompanying text are not intended to constitute an authoritative statement of the law. They are guidelines only and aim to reflect the law as it stands at the time of publication.

The Criminal Trial Courts Bench Book will be progressively updated in accordance with legislative changes and decisions of the higher courts.

Although considerable care has been taken in the preparation of these materials, the content should not be regarded as a substitute for the actual text of legislation or court decisions.

As we wish to produce materials which are of benefit to judicial officers, the Judicial Commission would welcome any criticisms or suggestions as to the form or content of the Criminal Trial Courts Bench Book, and we urge you to contact us should any errors or omissions be found —

© Judicial Commission of New South Wales 1990–2010