Ministers want to tackle reoffending with alternatives to jail terms Wide-ranging justice reforms, including ending short jail terms, have come into force in Scotland.
The Criminal Justice and Licensing Act, passed by parliament in the summer, includes a presumption against prison sentences of three months or less.
The legislation also makes stalking a criminal offence.
And there are tougher penalties for those involved in organised crime, including punishments for the use of mobile phones in prison.
The legislation also creates a new sentencing council to provide guidance to the courts on disposing of criminal cases.
The age at which a child can be prosecuted in an adult court will rise from eight to 12 and the remand of children in adult prisons will end.
SNP ministers said disposing of short jail terms, along with making community sentences tougher, would reduce reoffending.
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