Is the report prepared by the Social Worker the only information that the courts uses to sentence someone?
If the sentencer decides that more information is needed, he or she may ask for additional assessments (for example, psychiatric or psychological reports). These may be ordered at the same time as the original Social Enquiry Report, or after reading that report. Apart from the reports, the sentencer will also take into account: • information that has come to light during legal proceedings, including trials • information given to the court by the defence solicitor (which may include independent reports requested by the defence • the summary of previous convictions provided by the Scottish Criminal Record Office When MUST the sentencer ask for reports? Acts of Parliament and findings of the High Court both define certain circumstances where a report has to be obtained before particular actions can be taken. • Somebody aged under 21 years cannot be sentenced to imprisonment without a court report having been prepared. • Before any adult (over 21) can be sentenced to imprisonment for the f
