Spotlight on sentencing
From time to time, we feature relevant guest blogs from interested organisations and individuals. These blogs do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Scottish Sentencing Council, but can add to the broader discussion and debate of issues around sentencing. If you would like to contribute a guest blog, please email us or use our contact form.
CJS Caledonian System blog
The Caledonian System addresses men's abusive behaviour within intimate relationships, with integrated support services for women and children. Here, Gill McKinna, head of the Caledonian national team, explains how it operates.
Forfar problem-solving court
The problem-solving court in Forfar provides a specialist approach to sentencing many of the women and young men charged and convicted of summary (less serious) offences. Sheriff Jillian Martin Brown presides over the court, and in this blog, talks about how the problem-solving approach operates.
The Potential and Pitfalls of Comparative Sentencing Research
Although media reports often seek to do so, making direct comparisons between the two jurisdictions of Scotland, and England and Wales is fraught with difficulty.
Sentencing offenders with mental health issues
Many defendants have mental health issues and sentencing such individuals represents one of the most challenging areas of sentencing. A court must determine whether, and to what extent, the offender's mental health should be considered at sentencing.
Scottish Sentencing Council visit to HMP Greenock and the Risk Management Authority
As part of its commitment to engage with and understand the broader justice system, the Council was delighted to be able to return to visiting justice partners with a visit to HMP Greenock and the Risk Management Authority at the start of December. The Council was able to meet with Scottish Prison Service staff and prisoners while touring the prison, and was given insight into the challenges facing the SPS and the RMA by senior leaders from both organisations.