We are now in the pre-election period for the Scottish Parliament election due to take place on 7 May. During this period, which will last until the election concludes, communications activity will be restricted. The Council can still be contacted at sentencingcouncil@scotcourts.gov.uk.
News
20.03.2026
Council publishes March newsletter
The Council has released the latest edition of its Spotlight on Sentencing Circular.
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17.03.2026
Council essay competition winner meets Lord Justice Clerk
A high school pupil from Dumfries has been awarded first prize in a Scottish Sentencing Council essay competition.
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16.03.2026
Council provides response to Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission Report
The Scottish Sentencing Council has published its response to the Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission Report
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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.