This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Executive response to McInnes Report
16/03/2004
Reform of Scotland's range of non-jury courts must be
seen in the context of reducing reoffending, improving
public safety and protecting communities, Justice Minister
Cathy Jamieson said today.
Responding to the publication of the report of the
McInnes Review of Summary Justice, Ms Jamieson said:
"Today we are launching a four-month open consultation
on the recommendations of the McInnes Review.
"We want to make the most of the opportunity created by
this report to sharpen up the way our justice system
handles the majority of offenders across Scotland.
"In relation to common offences dealt with in these
courts, we need to move towards a system that delivers the
shortest possible gap between offence and penalty. Last
month in New York I saw offenders brought straight to
court, sentenced, and sent straight out from court to carry
out a visible community service. Short, sharp, smart
sentences designed to stop lives of crime in their tracks -
and be seen to do so. Thats something I believe we should
be aiming to achieve here.
"Earlier this month I launched a national debate and
consultation on how we can work more effectively across
criminal justice to reduce reoffending and improve public
safety and protect our communities. I am absolutely clear
that the work on reoffending and this consultation on
summary justice are fundamentally linked.
"The great majority of prison sentences of six months or
less - the sentences which give prison little time for
rehabilitation - are passed by the summary courts. Thats
why we will be looking at the results of both consultations
together to develop an integrated strategy to deal with the
most common offenders.
"The recommendations of this report are not
uncontroversial. We will listen carefully to the views we
receive during the consultation. But we will not shy away
from taking controversial decisions about systems or
structures - if we are convinced that in doing so we can
reduce the likelihood of crimes taking place and improve
public safety.
Lord Advocate Colin Boyd said:
"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is
committed to playing its part in the wider modernisation of
the criminal justice system in Scotland and will work with
its partners to implement any changes introduced following
the period of consultation.
"The McInnes Review is an important tool in helping to
ensure that the entire justice system works efficiently and
responds to the needs of victims and witnesses.