How Sentencing Guidelines are Developed | S2E4

Megha is joined by Krista Johnston who is the solicitor member of the Scottish Sentencing Council. Amongst other work, the Council develops sentencing guidelines for the courts. We talk about how sentencing guidelines are developed and the extensive process behind it. Krista explains the importance of various sentencing purposes and factors including rehabilitation and mental health when developing sentencing guidelines. We discuss the Council’s new sentencing guidelines which can be found on their website at https://www.scottishsentencingcouncil.org.uk and learn about the ‘sentencing young people’ guideline (https://bit.ly/3yHKFMa) in detail. We also gain insight into why the law in Scotland allows offenders to get a reduced sentence when they admit their guilt.