ENFORCEMENT LAW.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18550, 27 November 1925, Page 9

ENFORCEMENT LAW.

RECORD OF FINES AND IMPRISONMENT. (31 Cißt-E—PBSSS ASSOCIATION— COFTEIOBT.) (AUmUUAII AXD K.J. CABLE ASSOCIATION) WASHINGTON. November 25. The Department of Justice's division in charge of Prohibition litigation reports that during the prohibition period fines totalling 30,000,000 dollars and gaol sentences aggregating 12,000 4'ears, have been imposed upon viola•tors of the Volstead Act. The report .stated, in a summary, that the trend of Prohibition enforcement disclosed: First, that the Government is prosecuting larger and more important cases. Secondly, that there has been a decrease within the last two years in the number of cases pending, indicating more prompt trials. Thirdly, that penalties for violation, especially prison sentencos, are steadily increasing. Fourthly, that there has been a Very substantial increase in the number of padlock injunctions reported. The United Slates Government, until, Juno 30th, 1923, convicted 154,772 persons for violating Prohibition; acquitted 7414, and dismissed 30,213, leaving 24,634 cases pending. Federal Courts aro becoming niore strenuous regarding violations. Tho average gaol sentence increased by 25 per cent, in 1925s compared with 1924, when the average sentenco was 21 days. The average fine in 1925 was 200 "dollars.. During 1925 there were 1317 more convictions than in 1924.