SUPREME COURT STATISTICS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1523, 28 February 1901, Page 64

SUPREME COURT STATISTICS.

From the return of business-done at the Supreme Court during the past year the following information is compiled r There were 105 criminal charges against 93 persons. Of these 31 .vere acquitted, 16 were not prosecuted. 66 were convicted, and one awaits the pleasure of the Court. Of the 67 persons (64 males and three females) found guilty, 21 (all men) received sentences of less than twelve months’ imprisonment-; twelve men received .sentences bf over one and less than two years ; seven persons (including one woman) tvyo" years and under three years; five received sentences of three months and less than, six months, four men of three years and under five years, three men of five and under seven years, and two (a man and a woman) were sent- to gaol for periods of between seven and ten years; Two men received sentences of less than one month, and ten were released u-iider the First Offenders’ Probation Act. h The ages of accused varied from To to 50 years. The number of writs of summons test-, ed -on the civil side was 115, and the judgments recorded covered a sum of £12,585 12s Id. Twelve cases were tried by common juries, five by special juries, and 29 before a Judge without a jury. Of the cases tried, the findings went for the plaintiffs in 32 cases, and for the defendants in 14. Judgments were entered after trial in ten cases, after confession in two, and by default in 22. Seven writs of execution were- issued, eight cases were discontinued, and there w<re disposed of by special case. In the Divorce Court 39 petitions for dissolution of marriage were presented, and 25 decrees were granted ; five petitions for judicial separation were presented, and three granted; three decrees dismissing petitions were recorded. Three criminal cases were reserved for appeal, two convictions being confirmed and one quashed. Of the civil oases the number presented was 27, and of these 13 were allowed, and 14 dismissed. The cases removed numbered five, and judgments were given on them all.