News
Scottish Sentencing Council enters a new phase focusing on offence guidelines
The Scottish Sentencing Council, having completed a suite of general guidelines which apply to all offences in Scotland, is now moving to a new phase of work. In its 2021-24 Business Plan, published today, the Council announced that its focus will now turn to offence guidelines and confirmed its intention to prepare a sentencing guideline on domestic abuse offences.
2020-21 Annual Report laid before Parliament and published
Significant progress was made by the Scottish Sentencing Council in the development of sentencing guidelines in 2020-21 despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to its Chair, Lady Dorrian, the Lord Justice Clerk.
High Court approves new guideline on the sentencing of young people which encourages rehabilitation to cut reoffending
The High Court of Justiciary has today approved a new sentencing guideline developed by the Scottish Sentencing Council, which seeks to reduce reoffending among young people.
Community sentencing
Drawing on research and engagement carried out with sentencers and others, the Scottish Sentencing Council has published a paper highlighting obstacles to the use of community sentences and suggesting a range of actions which might improve judicial confidence in their use.
New sentencing guidelines come into force in Scotland
A NEW sentencing guideline developed by the Scottish Sentencing Council comes into force in Scotland today (Wednesday, 22 September 2021).