News
21.08.2026
Revisions to guidelines for sentencing rape offences approved by High Court
The Council’s sentencing guidelines on rape offences have been revised to take into account amendments to legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament. These were approved by the High Court on 20 August.
Read more
18.08.2026
Sheriff Principal appointed as Council’s new advisor
Sheriff Principal Andrew Miller has been appointed as an advisor to the Council.
Read more
14.08.2026
Revised sentencing guidelines on rape submitted to the High Court
The Council has submitted revised rape sentencing guidelines to the High Court to take account of forthcoming legal changes.
Read more
Spotlight on sentencing
06.10.2026
Community payback orders explained
Julia Duffy, Postgraduate research intern with the Council, explains what a Community payback order is and provides information on the requirements which can be imposed on offenders.
Read more
17.09.2026
New research into public attitudes and perceptions of sentencing in environmental and wildlife offence cases
Last year the Council released its research report focussing on public attitudes to sentences for environmental and wildlife offences. Dr Jay Gormley, Lecturer at the University of Glasgow, School of Law; and Cyrus Tata, Professor of Law and Criminal Justice at the Law School, University of Strathclyde discuss the key findings highlighted in the report.
Read more
15.07.2026
Developing a draft sentencing guideline on domestic abuse
In this blog, Joanne McMillan, the Council's solicitor member, talks about the development of a draft sentencing guideline on domestic abuse and encourages people to take part in a public consultation on the guideline.
Read more
Read about the rights of victims and the services and support available to them across our justice system.
Short videos explaining sentencing for victims of crime and for offenders and their families. Includes easy listen and watch.
As part of the Scottish Sentencing Council’s work to promote awareness and understanding of sentencing, a series of educational resources for Modern Studies teachers has been developed.