Scottish Sentencing Council

The challenges in sentencing people with mental health and related issues are outlined in two new reports, published today by the Scottish Sentencing Council. An issues paper, Judicial perspectives of mental health and sentencing presents the findings of research undertaken by the council in late 20

The Scottish Sentencing Council has today published its 2024-2027 Business Plan, announcing significant new initiatives, including guidelines on sentencing people with mental health and related issues, and on assault offences. The plan marks a new phase of work for the council as it approaches its t

A new video commissioned by the Scottish Sentencing Council offers insights into prison sentencing in Scotland. The short film features people who have knowledge of the prison system from a variety of perspectives, and opens with the powerful story of victims expert and council member, Lynn Burns, t

The Scottish Sentencing Council has published a new report examining how victims of domestic abuse view sentencing in Scotland. The research, conducted by Glasgow Caledonian University, provides insights into the experiences and perspectives of victims. Researchers interviewed 24 women across Scotla

The Scottish Sentencing Council is seeking views on draft sentencing guidelines for rape offences. A public consultation on the proposed guidelines launches today and people from all backgrounds, legal or otherwise, are being urged to offer their views to help ensure that the guidelines are fit for

Deputy chief constable Bex Smith has been appointed as the Scottish Sentencing Council’s new constable member. DCC Smith brings a wealth of experience to the council with over 20 years of policing experience drawn from a range of nationally significant command functions.

The Scottish Sentencing Council’s new sentencing guideline on death by driving offences comes into effect today. It is the country’s first ever offence guideline and the first time that the council has set out guidance to help courts select a specific type and level of sentence. It also

The Scottish Sentencing Council is holding a webinar next month on its new sentencing guideline: Statutory offences of causing death by driving. The webinar, which meets CPD requirements, is aimed at legal practitioners and will take place on Tuesday 16 January 2024 at 4.30pm to coincide with the da

Victoria Young has been appointed as the new advocate member of the Scottish Sentencing Council. Ms Young practises mainly in criminal law and has acted in the High Court for both prosecution and defence since being admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1995.

The Scottish Sentencing Council’s new sentencing guideline on death by driving offences has been approved by the High Court – marking a legal first for Scotland. It is the country’s first ever offence guideline and the first time that the council has set out guidance to help courts

The Scottish Sentencing Council has finalised its first ever offence guideline, covering the statutory offences of causing death by driving. The guideline aims to bring greater consistency in sentencing and assist public understanding of how these highly complex and sensitive cases are dealt with by

A sentencing guideline which means that rapists under the age of 25 can be spared from prison due to their reduced capacity for sound judgment is to be reviewed. The principle behind the guideline from the the Scottish Sentencing Council is that rehabilitation should be the “primary consi

Lynn Burns has been appointed by the Scottish government as the new victims expert member of the Scottish Sentencing Council. Ms Burns has been involved with a number of victims’ groups and organisations following the murder of her son, Sam, in 2013.

Public and judicial confidence in community sentencing goes hand in hand with adequate resourcing to manage and support offenders, according to justice professionals. A report by the Scottish Sentencing Council highlights the views of stakeholders who attended a discussion event in March last year,

Deputy chief constable Malcolm Graham has been appointed as the constable member of the Scottish Sentencing Council. DCC Graham, who replaces DCC Will Kerr OBE, joined Lothian and Borders Police in 1995. He headed up the force’s criminal investigation department and was ACC for major crime and