Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Related legal acts

Key definition

Narrative definition

What does Narrative mean? In legal drafting, the narrative is the background section of a deed or other instrument that identifies the parties and explains why the document is being entered into and what it is intended to achieve. It typically sets out the names and designations of the parties (in Scots deeds, the granter and grantee), their capacities and authority, relevant title or prior transactions, consideration (if any), and the factual context or purpose of the operative provisions. “Narrative” is not defined by legislation and is rarely treated as a term of art in case law; it is a descriptive drafting expression used...

Sentencing organisations and individuals for corporate and regulatory offences in Scotland: procedure, agreed narratives, financial disclosure, required reports, sentencing steps, ancillary orders and plea discounts

Published by a LexisNexis Corporate Crime expert

Practice notes

For details on the scope of sentencing powers in Scottish courts, consult Practice Note: The jurisdiction and sentencing powers of Scottish criminal courts. For guidance on criminal procedure across Scotland, see Practice Note: The investigation and prosecution of criminal offences in Scotland. When addressing sentencing in matters arising from regulatory breaches, a court may need to pass sentence both on an organisation and on individuals linked to the wrongdoing. Certain practices, procedural steps and sentencing factors tend to apply to both natural and legal persons, whereas others are necessarily distinct or of no relevance. Throughout this Practice Note, the expression ‘the offender’ is used, and only where needed is a distinction drawn between organisations and individuals.

Prior to sentencing

In solemn proceedings, the court lacks the power to pronounce sentence unless the Crown has made a motion to do so. The prosecutor must invite the court to sentence using the words: ‘I move for sentence’. Where an offender’s previous convictions are put before the court, the prosecutor is deemed to have moved for sentence even if those words are not spoken. This requirement is confined to solemn proceedings. There is no obligation to move for sentence in a summary...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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