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Community sentences video

People with knowledge of the justice system, including a sheriff, journalist, victims’ expert, offender and academic, give their views on community sentencing.
Video

Sentencing guidelines

Learn more about how the Council is developing sentencing guidelines for the criminal courts in Scotland.
Sentencing guidelines

Information for victims

Read about the rights of victims and the services and support available to them across our justice system.
Information for victims

Jargon buster

An A-Z of terms used in the criminal justice system in Scotland, with particular regard to courts and sentencing.
Jargon buster

Myth buster

Learn more about some sentencing misconceptions on our mythbuster page.
Myth buster

Education resources

As part of the Scottish Sentencing Council’s work to promote awareness and understanding of sentencing, a series of educational resources for Modern Studies teachers has been developed.
Modern Studies resources

News

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23.01.2024

New video on community sentencing

The Council has released a new video on community sentencing in Scotland, with various contributors sharing their views and experiences.

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16.01.2024

The Council's death by driving guideline is now in force

The new sentencing guideline on death by driving offences comes into effect today (16 January).

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29.12.2023

Draft minutes of December 2023 meeting of the Scottish Sentencing Council

The draft minutes of the Council’s meeting held at Tulliallan Castle on 8 December 2023 are now available.

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Spotlight on sentencing

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28.11.2023

10 facts about the sentencing young people guideline

The sentencing young people guideline applies in cases where the person being sentenced is 24 or under. It reflects the need for a more individualistic approach when sentencing young people. In our latest blog, we set out key facts about the guideline.

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12.10.2023

Community Justice Scotland: New training course for people involved in the delivery of unpaid work

Community Justice Scotland’s Learning, Development and Innovation Lead James Murphy explains the importance of training front line workers to support people completing Community Payback Orders.

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27.06.2023

Life sentences explained

A life sentence is the highest penalty available in Scotland's courts. In this blog, we explain the different stages of the sentence, including the punishment part, the parole process, and release on life licence.

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Information for victims

Read about the rights of victims and the services and support available to them across our justice system.

Sentencing videos

Short videos explaining sentencing for victims of crime and for offenders and their families. Includes easy listen and watch.

 

Education resources

As part of the Scottish Sentencing Council’s work to promote awareness and understanding of sentencing, a series of educational resources for Modern Studies teachers has been developed.

Contact us/ media enquiries

 

Scottish Sentencing Council, Parliament House, Edinburgh, EH1 1RQ

Tel: 0300 790 0006 Email: sentencingcouncil@scotcourts.gov.uk
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