NCJ Number
166654
Date Published
1996
Length
110 pages
Annotation
This report provides statistical information on all criminal cases disposed in the local, district, and supreme courts in New South Wales, Australia in 1995 and in children's courts in 1994-95.
Abstract
The report excludes minor criminal matters heard in local courts. The data reveal that the number of criminal cases disposed by local courts increased by 3 percent from 99,719 cases in 1994 to 102,673 cases in 1995. Notable increases occurred between 1994 and 1995 for several offenses, including breaches of orders (14.8 percent), driving under the influence of alcohol (9.6 percent), property damage (9.1 percent), larceny (5.1 percent), and assault (5 percent). In contrast, criminal charges for marijuana offenses declined by 11.5 percent. The number of persons found guilty increased by 2.4 percent, but the percentage of those found guilty decreased from 87.1 percent in 1994 to 86.6 percent in 1995. Prison sentences were imposed on 6.5 percent of those found guilty. Of these, 31.3 percent received sentences of less than 3 months, and 72.1 percent received sentences of less than 12 months. Tables and appended background information