Publication - Research and analysis

Justice Analytical Services: Areas of Research Interest

This document sets out the current Areas of Research Interest (ARI) for the Scottish Government’s Justice Analytical Services Division

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How can we approach changes to the justice system (whether influenced by the government or otherwise) in a way that considers a wide range of possible consequences in a range of scenarios, and includes a wide range of stakeholders?
How can we improve forecasts of case volumes for the courts and tribunals system and the subsequent requirement for prison places? How can we better understand future demand and supply, to help plan for the delivery of services?
How effective are different sentence types at improving community safety, reducing reoffending, promoting rehabilitation, and limiting the churn of people through the prison system?
How can new technologies, including AI, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the justice system? What are the ethical implications of incorporating new technologies into justice processes?

What are the estimated economic costs of crime in Scotland, including direct and indirect costs?
What is the most cost-effective sentencing approach: imprisonment, community service, or electronic monitoring?
How does investment in prisoner education and skills training affect reoffending rates and long-term economic outcomes?
How do different types of crime (violent vs. non-violent, property vs. cybercrime) impose economic burdens on society?
What are the economic and social costs of reoffending in Scotland, and how cost-effective are current rehabilitation programmes?
What are the economic benefits of digital transformation in the Scottish courts system?
How does the efficiency of Scotland’s court system compare to similar jurisdictions in terms of case backlog and processing costs?
What are the primary factors influencing the cost of criminal and civil court cases in Scotland? Are costs higher for specific types of case?
What is the economic contribution of Scotland’s legal and justice sectors to the national economy?
What are the economic effects of criminal records on employment opportunities and long-term earnings in Scotland?
What is the long-term economic impact of childhood exposure to the justice system (e.g. having a parent incarcerated)?

How do experiences within the justice system vary by protected characteristics and socio-economic background? How can we better understand why observed differences occur and design policies to address these differences, particularly amongst racially minoritised groups?
What factors affect the length of journey times in the justice system – in terms of protected characteristics and socio-economic background?
What factors affect the likelihood of receiving different sentences, including custodial, community or other court disposal sentences – in terms of protected characteristics and socio-economic background?
How do multiple intersecting characteristics combine to affect individuals’ experiences, journeys and outcomes in the justice system?
How do we encourage greater diversity – in terms of protected characteristics and socio-economic background – amongst the justice sector workforce and in the legal profession, including within senior roles such as the judiciary?

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