NCJ Number
175909
Date Published
1997
Length
176 pages
Annotation
This report examines trends in prosecutions, convictions, and sentencing in New Zealand during 1987-96, using data from the Law Enforcement System regarding charges or cases processed by the courts.
Abstract
The report also discusses trends in juvenile arrests and court appearances, the imposition of suspended sentence, and the use of restitution. The total number of prosecutions for non-traffic offenses has increased during the 1990s; the 200,590 prosecutions in 1996 represented the highest number recorded in the 10-year period. The number of convictions for violent offenses in 1996 was 89 percent higher than in 1987. Convictions for burglary have declined in each of the last 3 years; the 1996 number was the second lowest in the decade. The number of convictions for using marijuana in 1996 was the lowest in the decade. Male offenders accounted for 82 percent of the non-traffic convictions. The proportion of non-traffic cases resulting in a custodial sentence has remained relatively stable over the decade. The number of juvenile court cases has slowly increased since 1990 and in 1996 reached its highest point since the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act 1989 was introduced, but the number was 64 percent lower in 1996 than in 1986. The proportion of convicted property offenders who received a sentence of restitution was 20 percent in 1996, somewhat lower than in the previous 2 years. Figures, tables, 9 references, and appended data collection form and list of other publications from the same organization