Doors Open Day - 26 September 2015

Members of the public interested in learning more about the Scottish Sentencing Council are invited to attend a Doors Open Day event on Saturday 26 September.

The free event in Parliament House, Edinburgh will provide an opportunity for the public to find information about the role of the independent advisory body, which is due to be established in October 2015. 

The Council's responsibilities include preparing sentencing guidelines for the Scottish courts, publishing guideline judgments issued by the courts, and publishing information about sentences imposed. 

It will have powers to publish information about, and conduct research into, sentencing and to provide advice and guidance of a general nature on sentencing matters. 

The Council will also seek to promote consistency in sentencing practice, assist the development of policy in relation to sentencing, and promote greater awareness and understanding of sentencing policy and practice. 

In Parliament House, there will also be a presentation by Judicial Office staff and information available on the Scottish Civil Justice Council, as well as the new Scottish Sentencing Council. 

An exhibition in Parliament Hall, which ran throughout the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, will also be open. 

The High Court in Edinburgh is also taking part in this year’s September Doors Open Days. 

It will produce a re-enactment of the famous Burke and Hare trial. 

The mock trial give visitors a taste of what happens in our courtrooms every day and the roles played by judges, lawyers, clerks and court officers. 

A court tour will also feature visits to the cells and prison vans and a display of maces and robes.