New identity for criminal justice body

by Niall Campbell

Scottish Association for Study of Offending replaces "Delinquency" study group

News, 14 April 2005

Scotland's main criminal justice association has a new name. The Scottish Association for the Study of Delinquency (SASD) has become the Scottish Association for the Study of Offending (SASO).

The Association has changed its name because the term "delinquency" had become outdated and confusing. It did not make clear the wide scope of the Association's activities and the breadth of its membership.

The Association aims to create a common meeting ground, both locally and nationally, for all the professional groups and individuals concerned with the issues raised by offending.

The Honorary President is Lord Gill, the Lord Justice Clerk. The membership is widely drawn: judges and sheriffs, the police, the legal profession, the prison service, academics, teachers, reporters to children's panels and children's panel members, central and local government, procurators fiscal, doctors, clergy, psychologists, prison visiting committees and the voluntary sector.

SASO's agenda is simply to encourage purposeful dialogue within the Scottish criminal justice system in ways which will contribute to the improvement of the system as a whole. Solicitors can meet informally with all those involved in the justice system in their area and discuss issues of common interest.

Through its local branches, SASO provides a programme of meetings and local conferences. Details can be found on the Association's website www.sastudyoffending.org.uk, which also has information on how to join the Association. It is not necessary to join to attend SASO events. A national conference takes place each year in Peebles in November and attracts distinguished speakers.

Further details appear from the article of the same title in the Submissions section.