A Sentencing Exception? Changing Sentencing Policy in Scotland

This article reviews developments in penal policy and to sentencing reform in Scotland over the last decade. The devolved government was established in 1999 following the first elections to a Scottish Parliament. Despite being part of the United Kingdom, Scotland has long maintained its own legal system, an established church and education system, and a civic culture which valued 'community, public provision of welfare and mutual support' which has been considered to be distinctively Scottish. This article examines the changing character of sentencing policy to explore whether Scottish sentencing and penal policy remains relatively distinctive in international terms.