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  3. MSA Essay Competition

Is Sentencing in Scotland Fair?

Essay writing competition

The Scottish Sentencing Council and the Modern Studies Association have come together to ask students in Scottish schools to answer an important question: Is sentencing in Scotland fair?

This essay competition is open to S4 - S6 students at secondary schools, and should provide an evidence-based argument in answer to the question. Essays should be of no more that 1,000 words, not counting footnotes, and are limited to two entries from any school.

How to take part

All entrants should currently be enrolled as students in years S4 - S6 in a secondary school in Scotland  

Essays should be of no more than 1,000 words, not counting footnotes

They should be your own original work and should not use AI in the writing, although it may be used for research

The deadline for submission to your school is 10 October 2025

Only two entries per school will be submitted to the national competition

No more than two entries per school should be submitted to the MSA

The MSA will select a shortlist of six essays to be submitted to the Scottish Sentencing Council

The Council will select an individual winner

The overall winner will receive £100. The winner will also receive the opportunity to spend a day in Parliament House, including a meeting with one of Scotland's most senior judges. 

Accommodation and transport will be provided for the winner if necessary, along with one other person over the age of 18. 

All other finalists will receive prizes of £25. 

 

You should explore different issues that relate to the question of fairness in sentencing in Scotland. 

There is a lot of information about how sentencing works in Scotland available on this website: 

Educational Resources Page

Video Resources

Information on Sentencing

You should also use information from other sources.  

The judges will be particularly looking for how you use evidence to support your view that sentencing in Scotland is or is not fair. 

You teacher will be able to offer advice on how to write the essay effectively and there is also guidance available at: 

How Do I Plan and Structure an Essay?

How to Use Examples in a Modern Studies Essay

How Do I Use Analysis in an Essay?

 

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Scottish Sentencing Council, Parliament House, Edinburgh, EH1 1RQ

Tel: 0300 790 0006 Email: sentencingcouncil@scotcourts.gov.uk
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