News
03.03.2026
Rape sentencing guidelines now in effect
The Scottish Sentencing Council’s new sentencing guidelines on rape offences come into effect today (3 March). The two new guidelines cover offences of rape and rape of a young child under the age of 13.
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26.02.2026
Council releases report exploring unwarranted disparities
The Council has released a new research report exploring the consistency of sentencing in Scottish courts.
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15.02.2026
National survey reveals public attitudes to sentencing in Scotland
The Council has published a new report on public understanding and perceptions of sentencing in Scotland following a wide-ranging national survey.
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Spotlight on sentencing
23.02.2026
The role of guidelines in sentencing firearms offences
Professor Gavin Dingwall from Northumbria University, School of Law provides an insight into the research and sentencing guidance relating to firearms offences.
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19.01.2026
Therapeutic justice in an Argentine drug treatment court
Argentine Judge María Jimena Monsalve discusses her country’s model for a drugs treatment court based on therapeutic justice.
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20.11.2025
Public attitudes to sentencing following a guilty plea – Research findings
The Council recently released its research report focussing on public attitudes to sentences following a guilty plea. Dr Jay Gormley, Lecturer at the University of Glasgow, School of Law; and Cyrus Tata, Professor of Law and Criminal Justice at the Law School, University of Strathclyde discuss the key findings highlighted in the report.
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Read about the rights of victims and the services and support available to them across our justice system.
Short videos explaining sentencing for victims of crime and for offenders and their families. Includes easy listen and watch.
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.