STEVENSON WELCOMES PUBLIC INPUT INTO SENTENCING GUIDELINES

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the announcement that members of the public are to be given the opportunity to provide their input into the sentencing guidelines issued to members of the judiciary.

While it is vital to the criminal justice system that judges retain their freedom to pass sentence in individual cases as they see fit, the guidelines provide an important and transparent framework that the judiciary can base its sentences on.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“This consultation will provide an opportunity for members of the public and interested groups to have their say on the sentencing guidelines that are being drawn up.

“By making sure ordinary people have a voice in drawing up these guidelines, members of the public will be able to take greater confidence in the robustness of the Scottish legal system. The SNP committed to providing this mechanism in our manifesto, and I am delighted that we are able to fulfil that promise.

“I would like to encourage as many interested people as possible to take part in this consultation and help to build a justice system that is right for modern Scotland and continues to be admired around the world.”