Since the second edition was published in 1994, a number of changes have taken place, including changes in the law, advances in treatment and changes in the management of prisons and special hospitals. The book remains essential reading for doctors taking the Membership examination of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, but will also be of interest to general psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, lawyers, probation officers and criminologists. The subject is set out clearly, logically and expertly and arranged for quick reference.