Now Available for Pre-order: Sentencing in Hong Kong – Twelfth Edition

Stay current with the latest developments in Hong Kong sentencing law

LexisNexis is pleased to announce the forthcoming publication of Sentencing in Hong Kong – Twelfth Edition, the latest edition of one of Hong Kong’s most authoritative and practical references on sentencing law and practice.

Authored by I Grenville Cross GBS, SC and Patrick WS Cheung, this new edition continues the title’s long-standing mission: to analyse, explain and record the effect of sentencing judgments, while identifying the sentencing options available to the courts.

Sentencing is a vital part of the criminal justice system. It affects not only defendants, victims, prosecutors and defence practitioners, but also the wider community. As Hong Kong’s sentencing jurisprudence continues to evolve, legal professionals need a reliable, current and comprehensive source that places developments in proper context.

The Twelfth Edition is designed to meet that need.

What’s new in the Twelfth Edition?

Since the publication of the Eleventh Edition, aspects of sentencing law and practice have significantly evolved. The Twelfth Edition incorporates these developments and provides updated guidance for those working in, advising on, researching or studying criminal justice in Hong Kong.

Key updates include:

1. New sentencing guidelines for dangerous drug trafficking

The new edition incorporates the latest sentencing guidelines for trafficking in dangerous drugs.

It also considers the ability of previously sentenced offenders to take advantage of those guidelines, an important issue for those assessing the potential effect of new sentencing guidance.

2. Sentencing for national security offences

The Twelfth Edition explains the way in which those convicted of national security offences should be sentenced.

It also addresses their eligibility for remission, providing readers with guidance on this developing area of sentencing law and practice.

3. Updated analysis of aggravating and mitigating factors

The chapters on aggravating and mitigating factors have been updated to reflect recent developments.

New aggravating factors reviewed include:

• theft of mobile phones
• domestic violence
• pickpocketing

Mitigating factors explained include:

• advanced age
• change of penalty
• ignorance of the law

These updates make the new edition especially useful for readers who need to understand how different factors may be considered in sentencing.

4. Recent judgments across key sentencing areas

The Twelfth Edition references the latest judgments concerning a wide range of sentencing topics, including:

• assistance to the authorities
• concurrent and consecutive sentences
• costs in criminal cases
• compensation orders
• fines
• life imprisonment
• manufacture of dangerous drugs

Where helpful, the edition also includes reference to English authority, including factors affecting the discount for those who help the police.

5. Enhanced appendix for quick reference

The Appendix continues to provide practical value by summarising useful judgments across relevant areas and indicating maximum penalties.

This helps readers locate key sentencing materials more efficiently and understand how sentencing principles apply across different offences and circumstances.

Who should use this title?

The Twelfth Edition is described as an indispensable reference for:

• judicial officers
• practitioners
• academics

It is also a valuable resource for legal researchers, students and anyone seeking a clearer understanding of sentencing law and practice in Hong Kong.

Whether you are preparing for proceedings, advising on sentence, conducting research or studying criminal justice, Sentencing in Hong Kong – Twelfth Edition provides updated analysis and practical reference material in one volume.

About the authors

I Grenville Cross GBS, SC is a Senator for life of the International Association of Prosecutors, and chairs its Standing Committee on Prosecutors in Difficulty. He is also the Sentencing Editor of Hong Kong Cases and Archbold Hong Kong.

Patrick WS Cheung is a barrister-at-law with extensive experience in public prosecutions. He has served in senior roles within the Department of Justice and has contributed to major Hong Kong legal publications, including Halsbury’s Laws of Hong Kong and The Annotated Ordinances of Hong Kong.

Pre-order your copy today

Sentencing in Hong Kong – Twelfth Edition is available for pre-order now.

Publication date: July 2026
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9789888932597
Price: HK$4,100

Sentencing in Hong Kong - Twelfth Edition is available for pre-orders now on the LexisNexis Online Store