Scottish Sentencing Council

The Scottish Sentencing Council has published a new literature review examining the sentencing of firearms offences in Scotland. The review commissioned by the council was conducted by expert academics from the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, alongside researchers from the Sentencing Academy.

The Scottish Sentencing Council has welcomed Dr Jay Gormley as its newest lay member. Dr Gormley brings with him a wealth of knowledge in criminal law and sentencing across Scotland and beyond.

The Scottish Sentencing Council has launched a new podcast episode on prison sentencing, as part of its Scottish Sentencing Conversations podcast series. The new episode captures the views of people who have knowledge of and expertise in the prison system, and offers insights into prison sentencing

The Scottish Sentencing Council has published a report on a review of the operation of the Sentencing young people guideline during its first year in force.  The guideline, which was approved by the High Court in November 2021, has applied since 26 January 2022 to the sentencing of young people

The challenges in sentencing people with mental health and related issues are outlined in two new reports, published today by the Scottish Sentencing Council. An issues paper, Judicial perspectives of mental health and sentencing presents the findings of research undertaken by the council in late 20

The Scottish Sentencing Council has today published its 2024-2027 Business Plan, announcing significant new initiatives, including guidelines on sentencing people with mental health and related issues, and on assault offences. The plan marks a new phase of work for the council as it approaches its t

A new video commissioned by the Scottish Sentencing Council offers insights into prison sentencing in Scotland. The short film features people who have knowledge of the prison system from a variety of perspectives, and opens with the powerful story of victims expert and council member, Lynn Burns, t

The Scottish Sentencing Council has published a new report examining how victims of domestic abuse view sentencing in Scotland. The research, conducted by Glasgow Caledonian University, provides insights into the experiences and perspectives of victims. Researchers interviewed 24 women across Scotla

The Scottish Sentencing Council is seeking views on draft sentencing guidelines for rape offences. A public consultation on the proposed guidelines launches today and people from all backgrounds, legal or otherwise, are being urged to offer their views to help ensure that the guidelines are fit for

Deputy chief constable Bex Smith has been appointed as the Scottish Sentencing Council’s new constable member. DCC Smith brings a wealth of experience to the council with over 20 years of policing experience drawn from a range of nationally significant command functions.

The Scottish Sentencing Council’s new sentencing guideline on death by driving offences comes into effect today. It is the country’s first ever offence guideline and the first time that the council has set out guidance to help courts select a specific type and level of sentence. It also

The Scottish Sentencing Council is holding a webinar next month on its new sentencing guideline: Statutory offences of causing death by driving. The webinar, which meets CPD requirements, is aimed at legal practitioners and will take place on Tuesday 16 January 2024 at 4.30pm to coincide with the da

Victoria Young has been appointed as the new advocate member of the Scottish Sentencing Council. Ms Young practises mainly in criminal law and has acted in the High Court for both prosecution and defence since being admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1995.

The Scottish Sentencing Council’s new sentencing guideline on death by driving offences has been approved by the High Court – marking a legal first for Scotland. It is the country’s first ever offence guideline and the first time that the council has set out guidance to help courts

The Scottish Sentencing Council has finalised its first ever offence guideline, covering the statutory offences of causing death by driving. The guideline aims to bring greater consistency in sentencing and assist public understanding of how these highly complex and sensitive cases are dealt with by