Council publishes report to mark its ten-year anniversary

The Scottish Sentencing Council has published a report on its ten-year anniversary conference. The event, held in November last year, brought together members of the judiciary, criminal justice leaders, practitioners, policy makers, academics and third-sector organisations to discuss the role of sentencing within Scotland’s justice system and address evolving challenges.

The report reflects on the work of the Council in its first decade, including key achievements and lessons learned, while providing valuable insights intended to support its next stage of work.

The publishing of the report coincides with the May 2026 edition of the Edinburgh Law Review, which features essays from a number of attendees and speakers at the conference on discussions that took place.

The Council is grateful to all those who attended the event and offered their time and expertise. Following the report, the Council will use the feedback and recommendations highlighted to shape its work in promoting consistency in sentencing, supporting informed and effective policy making and contributing to improved public understanding of sentencing in Scotland.