criminal justice

Probation is an essential part of the criminal justice system and at its best the probation service delivers community sentences which are tough, challenging offenders to change their offending lifestyles.

Report on the session 2010-12.

Document which sets out the Youth Justice Board (YJB) plans for 2011-15, including its strategic objectives and specific aims for 2011/12. The aim of the youth justice system is to prevent offending and re-offending by children and young people.

Last year, half of all young people going into care were over 10 years old. Many of these young people end up in care because relationships at home have fallen apart. Other young people remain at home but in family situations that are close to breaking point. Others leave home, ending up ‘sofa surfing’ or in hostels. Some become involved in the criminal justice system as a result of their behaviour.

This report looks at ways to support families to keep young people out of care and out of trouble.

Briefing that sets out the current situation with regards to the sentencing of young adults, examines the case for considering maturity as part of the sentencing process and discusses what the benefits of this approach would be.

It then considers how a new approach to sentencing young adults could be implemented in practice, and makes the following recommendations for change.

The overuse of custody in the past two decades has resulted in an overburdened and ineffective prison system. In spite of record spending, re-offending rates remain high and public confidence in the criminal justice system low.

This report highlights how at a time of austerity, resources need to be focused on responses to offending that are efficient and effective, and which also meet the needs of victims and communities.

One of six briefing papers covering various aspects of the Scottish criminal justice system. It outlines the way in which children who commit offences are dealt with, focussing on those under the age of 16.

One of six briefing papers covering various aspects of the Scottish criminal justice system. It provides a brief description of the operation of the prison service in Scotland, including information on the system of early release for prisoners.

One of six briefing papers covering various aspects of the Scottish criminal justice system. It provides a brief description of the operation of the criminal courts in Scotland.

One of six briefing papers covering various aspects of the Scottish criminal justice system. It provides a brief description of the operation of the public prosecution system in Scotland.