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Population and society

More than 54,000 sentences were passed in courts of first instance in 2021

release | Prosecutions, sentences and punishments 2021

Change

Changes in database tables of statistics on prosecutions, sentences and punishments
Read more about the change

According to Statistics Finland, 54,280 sentences were passed in courts of first instance in 2021, which is nine per cent more than in 2020. The growth was biggest for sexual offences, for which 17 per cent more were sentenced in 2021 than one year earlier. The number of sentences passed for offences against life and health also increased by 14 per cent from the year before. However, the number of persons sentenced for offences against life and health has generally been falling.

Key selections

  • In 2021, a total of 54,280 sentences were given in courts of first instance, most of which were traffic offences (32%) and property offences (29%).
  • Altogether 5,800 unconditional imprisonment sentences were passed in 2021, which is 20 per cent more than one year earlier.
  • District courts issued more than 35,000 fines. More than 33,000 fines were sentenced by a summary penal order, and the number of fine orders issued by the police was 77,700.

Change

Changes in database tables of statistics on prosecutions, sentences and punishments
Read more about the change

Database tables

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Updated database tables
Classifications used:
  • Court of Appeal judgment
  • District Court Judgment
  • Court of appeal
  • Offence group
Period:
annual
Updated:
Classifications used:
  • Sanction
  • Gender
  • Principal offence
Period:
annual
Updated:
Classifications used:
  • Principal offence
  • Sanction
  • Similarity of offences
Period:
annual
Updated:
Classifications used:
  • Offence group
  • Court of appeal
  • Penalty change at Court of Appeal
Period:
annual
Updated:
Classifications used:
  • Appellant
  • Court of appeal
  • Offence group
  • Court of Appeal decision
Period:
annual
Updated:
Classifications used:
  • Principal offence
  • Gender
  • Duration of the prohibition
  • Age
  • Court
Period:
annual
Updated:
Classifications used:
  • Duration of the prohibition
  • Gender
  • Court
Period:
annual
Updated:
Classifications used:
  • Duration of the prohibition
  • Court
  • Gender
Period:
annual
Updated:
Classifications used:
  • Age
  • Amount of fine
  • Gender
Period:
annual
Updated:
Removed database tables

Future releases

Background information

Documentation
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Statistical experts

Inquiries primarily
Service email
rikos@stat.fi
Laura Lipasti
Senior Statistician
029 551 3041
Head of Department in charge