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Justice Journeys

Experienced voices share their justice journey

Our latest piece of research “Rules for Them and Rules for Us” maps the real-life stories of participants against the complexities of the Scottish justice system.

Alongside “Rules for Them and Rules for Us”, we have created a series of illustrations which map four different #JusticeJourneys: Community Payback Order (CPO), Diversion, Long-term prison sentence and Short-term prison sentence.

We hope that these illustrations will help bring greater understanding of the complexities those involved with the justice system face.

Community Payback Order

A Community Payback Order (CPO) is a court-issued sentence that can include various requirements. Evidence indicates that community interventions can be more effective at reducing reoffending and assisting with rehabilitation than short-term prison sentences.

Step-by-step: Community Payback Order

An example Community Payback Order process

An example Community Payback Order process

Steps in image:

  1. Crime committed
  2. Crime recorded by police
  3. Marked for court/Court
  4. Not guilty plea
  5. Trial
  6. Guilty verdict
  7. Community Payback Order (CPO)

Diversion from Prosecution

Diversion from prosecution is a process by which the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) are able to refer a case to social work – and their partners – as a means of addressing the underlying causes of alleged offending when this is deemed the most appropriate course of action.

Step-by-step: Diversion from Prosecution

An example Diversion from Prosecution process

An example Diversion from Prosecution process

Steps in image:

  1. Crime committed
  2. Crime reported to police
  3. Reported to Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal (COPFS)
  4. Divert from court
  5. Assess suitability for diversion
  6. Suitable for diversion

Short-term prison sentence

A custodial sentence of up to 4 years is regarded as a short-term prison sentence.

Step-by-step: short-term prison sentence

An example short-term prison sentence process

An example short-term prison sentence process

Steps in image:

  1. Crime committed
  2. Crime reported to police
  3. Reported to Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal (COPFS)
  4. Marked for court
  5. Sheriff Court
  6. Guilty plea
  7. Judge considers sentence
  8. Short-term prison sentence
  9. End of sentence/Automatic release at halfway stage – no supervision or support

Long-term prison sentence

A custodial sentence of 4 years or more is regarded as a long-term prison sentence.

Step-by-step: Long-term prison sentence

An example long-term prison sentence process

An example long-term prison sentence process

Steps in image:

  1. Crime committed
  2. Crime reported to police
  3. Reported to Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal (COPFS)
  4. Marked for court
  5. High Court
  6. Guilty plea
  7. Long term prison sentence
  8. Person receives education, addiction therapy and help with employment
  9. Released on parole at halfway stage
  10. Accommodation with other people released from prison
  11. Breached parole
  12. Recalled to prison

A victim’s journey

Created in association with Victim Support Scotland, this illustration is adapted from a real victim’s story.

Step-by-step: A victim’s journey

An example of a victim's journey, adapted from a real story

An example of a victim’s journey, adapted from a real story

Steps in image:

  1. “I thought I was going to die”
  2. “I was taken seriously”
  3. Struggle with mental health
  4. Meet with Victim Support Scotland
  5. Case goes to court
  6. The trial took months
  7. Verdict given
  8. Relief and able to move on
  9. Use experience to help others
  10. Stronger, healthier, happier