MSP Rona Mackay has urged constituents to take part in a Scottish courts consultation.
The Scottish Sentencing Council is launching the public opinion drive on new guidelines are sentenced by courts.
It is aimed at assisting judges in court and to help the public better understand how sentences are decided.
The consultation will run until October 27 and is available on the SSC website.
Ms Mackay, deputy convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee, said: “The sentencing of criminals has often been a matter the public are keen to comment and reflect on.
“There are indeed discussions to be had, and I welcome the Scottish Sentencing Council’s drive to gather the views of the public on sentences taking place until October 27.
“I urge my constituents to have some input into justice in Scotland and take part in this exciting new consultation.”
ENDS
From Rona Mackay MSP by Alan Ferguson (07342 061722)
Notes to reporter:
Overview:
Although some guidance on appropriate sentences in particular cases is available in the form of court decisions, the fundamental principles and purposes of sentencing in Scotland have not been expressly defined in any single piece of legislation or court judgment. The Scottish Sentencing Council’s first draft guideline, the Principles and Purposes of Sentencing, aims to set out clearly both the principles underlying sentencing decisions and the overarching purposes of sentencing. The guideline is intended to:
provide judges and the public with a clear statement about the aims of current sentencing practice in the Scottish courts
increase transparency by providing the public with an understanding of the approach taken by judges when deciding decisions
promote consistency in the approaches taken by judges to sentencing
Consultation Link: https://www.scottishsentencingcouncil.org.uk/consultations/principles-and-purposes-of-sentencing
Background: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-40776312