Scottish Sentencing Conversations

The Scottish Sentencing Conversations podcast offers insights into sentencing in Scotland by bringing together different voices with expertise and experience of the justice system. Our first episode below looks at community sentencing and we have another episode in development on prison sentencing.

It offers listeners the chance to hear from victims, offenders, and leading legal and academic figures, promoting greater awareness and understanding of the sentences handed down in Scotland's courts. 

Please note: The views expressed in the podcast are not necessarily those of the Council. 

Conversation on community sentencing, with perspectives from an offender and a victims’ expert, as well as leading academic Fergus McNeill, professor of criminology and social work.

Sheriff Krista Johnston also explains how sentencing decisions are reached in court and  journalist Alan Richardson talks about his experience as a court reporter.

This episode on prison sentencing captures the views of people with knowledge and understanding of the prison system. This includes an offender, a victims’ expert, a senior Scottish Prison Service manager and an academic in criminology.

The conversation offers further information on prison sentencing overall and what a prison sentence involves day to day.

Please note: The podcast features Lord Beckett speaking at a time when he was serving as a High Court judge. Since production of the podcast, Lord Beckett has been appointed Lord Justice Clerk and, by virtue of the office, is now Chair of the Scottish Sentencing Council.