Cases involving causing death by driving offences, as with any cases involving the loss of life, are of particular public concern and can be among the most serious and complex which come before the courts for sentence.
We believe a guideline will provide an opportunity to assist public understanding of the law and practice in relation to the complexities of sentencing in these cases . There are particular challenges for the courts in sentencing death by driving cases:...More
This consultation seeks your views on the sentencing of young people.
The sentencing of young people is complex and challenging. It generally requires a more individualistic approach, with a need to take the unique personal circumstances of the young person into account. For example, many young people who have committed offences also have experience of trauma, including higher than average experience of traumatic bereavement. And depending on the maturity of the young person, their...More
On a daily basis, criminal courts throughout Scotland impose sentences on offenders. However, the sentencing process itself is not always fully understood by the public. We therefore believe that a guideline on the sentencing process will help to increase public knowledge and understanding of how courts make sentencing decisions. We think that it will help to promote greater consistency in sentencing, by providing a useful framework which applies to all sentencing decisions. And it will...More