Overview of "Traffic Offences and Accidents" by Douglas Brown

Publication Details:

• Author: Douglas Brown
• Publisher: LexisNexis
• Publication Year: 2006 (4th edition)
• ISBN: 9780409322767

Key Themes: The book "Traffic Offences and Accidents" by Douglas Brown is a comprehensive guide to traffic law in Australia. It covers both civil and criminal aspects of traffic offenses and accidents, providing a detailed examination of the principles governing these areas. Key themes include:

1. Police Powers and Duties: The book delves into the legal framework governing police actions related to traffic offenses.
2. Licences and Disqualifications: It discusses the rules and regulations surrounding driver's licenses, including disqualification procedures.
3. Unlawful Driving: This section examines the legal definitions and consequences of unlawful driving.
4. Breath Testing and Analysis: The book provides insights into the legal procedures and standards for breath testing and analysis.
5. Accident Duties: It explores the legal responsibilities of motorists involved in accidents, including civil negligence.
6. Civil Negligence: This theme covers the legal principles and case law related to civil negligence in traffic accidents.
7. Australian Road Rules: The book also discusses the Australian Road Rules and how they are interpreted and applied across different jurisdictions.

Plot Summary: The book does not have a narrative plot but rather a structured approach to explaining the various aspects of traffic law. It is designed as a reference guide for legal professionals, students, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of traffic law in Australia. The author provides numerous case references and summaries to illustrate how courts have interpreted and applied the legislation, as well as cross-references to equivalent legislative provisions across different state and territory jurisdictions.

Critical Reception: The book has received positive reviews for its comprehensive coverage and thoughtful analysis of traffic law. Here are some key points from the critical reception:

• Comprehensive Coverage: The book is praised for its extensive coverage of traffic law, making it a valuable resource for those seeking a detailed understanding of the subject.
• Case References: The inclusion of numerous case references and summaries is highlighted as a significant strength, providing practical examples of how the law is applied in real-world scenarios.
• Jurisdictional Analysis: The book's ability to identify and explain the divergences in legislation and case law across different jurisdictions is noted as a significant advantage.
• Limitations: While the book is praised for its overall quality, it is noted that the topic of sentencing is not given as much coverage as one might hope, which is a common issue in practice.

Overall, "Traffic Offences and Accidents" by Douglas Brown is a respected and authoritative guide to traffic law in Australia, widely used by legal professionals and students alike.