To support the development and evaluation of guidelines, the Council undertakes a series of research activities, including research with Crown Court judges, district judges and magistrates and, where appropriate, victims, defendants and the general public. We also review sentencing literature and analyse the transcripts of Crown Court judges’ sentencing remarks.

Guideline research reports are published alongside our draft guidelines at the consultation stage.

The Council also undertakes and commissions research and analysis to support our wider statutory duties. This research has included, for example, reports to support our work to improve public confidence in sentencing and explore issues related to effectiveness in sentencing.

Find: Research reports