Howard League Scotland

The Howard League for Penal Reform in Scotland (HLS) promotes just responses to the causes and consequences of crime. It aims to be a forum for the stimulation of new and progressive thinking in penal practice and the critical questioning of prevailing penal initiatives, based on evidence of ‘what works’ and careful ethical reflection on ‘what’s right’.

HLS wishes to see a Scotland where there is less crime, where people feel safe within their communities, where prison is reserved for the most serious offenders and where those who offend are given the opportunity to turn their lives around.

Our members have extensive experience across – and active engagement in – all aspects of the criminal justice system in Scotland. Members, including Committee members, represent all stages of careers. HLS maintains an up-to-date evidence base and seeks to draw from the wisdom of its members' experience and engagement to promote effective pathways to achieve realisable goals for Scotland’s criminal justice system. These goals include a sustained reduction in prisoner numbers.

The League does not receive government funding and, therefore, can speak independently on penal reform and related issues. HLS has a long tradition of both provoking public debate and engaging with official bodies to improve and refine penal practice in respect of prison regimes, resettlement and the provision of community disposals.

For more information, please see www.howardleague.scot