The Sentencing Commission for Scotland was an independent, judicially-led body which was set up by the Scottish Executive under its policy statement “A Partnership For A Better Scotland”. The Commission, which was launched in November 2003, has been given the remit to review and make recommendations to the Scottish Executive on:

• the use of bail and remand
• the basis on which fines are determined
• the effectiveness of sentences in reducing re-offending
• the scope to improve consistency of sentencing
• the arrangements for early release from prison, and supervision of prisoners on their release

The Sentencing Commission, having completed its remit, was dissolved on 1 November 2006.