Justice in Scotland: vision and priorities

Justice in Scotland: Vision and Priorities

Vision

A Just, Safe & Resilient Scotland

Outcomes

• We live in safe, cohesive and resilient communities
• Prevention and early intervention improve wellbeing and life chances
• Our system and interventions are proportionate, fair and effective
• We deliver person-centred, modern and affordable public services

Priorities

We will enable our communities to be safe and supportive, where individuals exercise their rights and responsibilities

We will enable our people, economy and infrastructure to respond to major risk, recover from emergencies and adapt to emerging threats

We will modernise civil and criminal law and the justice system to meet the needs of people in Scotland in the 21st Century

We will work with others to improve health and wellbeing in justice settings, focusing on mental health and substance use

We will work to quickly identify offenders and ensure responses are proportionate, just, effective and promote rehabilitation

We will improve the experience of victims and witnesses, minimising court attendance and supporting them to give best evidence

We will use prison only where necessary to address offending or to protect public safety, focusing on recovery and reintegration

This Vision and Priorities paper has been prepared by Justice Analytical Services ( JAS) in the Scottish Government, on behalf of the Justice Board for Scotland. The paper is based on consultation with the Justice Board, the Justice Leaders Network and a review of the evidence across the portfolio. There is an accompanying Delivery Plan that will be revisited annually.