Scottish Government

ISBN 978 0 7559 5772 9
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Contents

FOREWORD

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PART ONE: BACKGROUND AND PROCESS

PART TWO:WHAT'S THE CHOICE?
HOW DO WE USE IMPRISONMENT?
How much are we using it?
Who are we using it for?
The social and economic geography of punishment
AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ACTION
Taking crime seriously
Engaging the public through informed debate
Using evidence to inform policy

PART THREE: CHALLENGES AND CHANGES
RETHINKING PUNISHMENT
PROSECUTION AND COURT PROCESSES
Diversion from prosecution
Court business
The use of remand
16 and 17 year olds
SENTENCING AND MANAGING SENTENCES
Rethinking sentencing
Community sentences
Sentencing and the management of sentences
Short prison sentences
Conditional sentences
COMMUNITY JUSTICE, PRISONS AND RESETTLEMENT
Reconviction rates
Community justice and criminal justice social work
Prisons
Parole and recall

PART FOUR: CUSTODIAL SENTENCES AND WEAPONS (Scotland) ACT 2007

PART FIVE: THE OPEN PRISON ESTATE

PART SIX: OUR FUTURE

Annex A: Written Evidence
Annex B: Oral Hearings and Public Events
Annex C: Highlights of Selected Commission Visits
Annex D: Sentencing Options - Current Disposals Available to the Courts
Annex E: Current Early Release Arrangements
Annex F: Custodial Sentences and Weapons (Scotland) Act 2007
Annex G: References