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A new sentencing council for Scotland has come into force.

The council is an independent body responsible for preparing guidelines to help ensure a consistent approach to sentencing throughout Scotland.

It will also work to raise public awareness and understanding of sentencing practice.

It is made up of 12 members who reflect a balance of expertise and interests across the criminal justice system, including victims' issues.

The 12 members are five judicial office holders, three legal members, a police officer, a victims' representative and another non-judicial member.

Council members:

The council will be chaired by the Lord Justice Clerk Lord Carloway, who said: "The council is something entirely new for Scotland.

"Sentencing is much more complex than it sometimes appears - there can be many different factors involved.

"The council will work to raise awareness and understanding of sentencing practice - not only for our justice partners but for the wider public - helping to build confidence in our justice system.

"I expect the council to take Scotland into a new era, in which we pursue a more principled approach to sentencing with improved consistency. This will be at the heart of our programme."

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: "The creation of the Scottish Sentencing Council is extremely important for the criminal justice system in Scotland and I welcome today's official launch.

"We know that sentencing can be an extremely complicated and emotive issue which is why we want to provide greater clarity and openness around why and how sentences are decided."

He added: "While the independence of Scotland's judiciary of course remains a fundamental part of the Scottish legal system, as does judicial discretion in individual sentencing decisions, the council will help to ensure transparency and consistency in all sentencing decisions made in Scotland, as well as helping the public better understand the sentencing process."

Council member Sue Moody, who has knowledge of victims' issues, added: "The council is good news for the victims of crime in Scotland.

"It will help to demystify sentencing for the public, and will ensure that the interests and needs of victims are taken into account when sentencing guidelines are prepared. This is an important opportunity for victims to contribute their views."

The council will prepare guidelines, along with their likely effects, for approval by the High Court. In sentencing offenders, the Scottish courts must take these guidelines, if applicable, into account - or give reasons for not doing so.

The council will also:

The High Court, new Sheriff Appeal Court and Scottish ministers can request the council to prepare or review sentencing guidelines on any matter.