NCJ Number
190265
Date Published
October 2000
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Using data from the Australian National Prison Census, this study examined major trends in the remand populations in Australia.
Abstract
This paper used 17 years of data from the Australian National Prison Census (1982-1998) to examine trends and characteristics associated with the remand occurrence. The main issues of interest were the proportion of remand prisoners to the total prison population and its evolution over time. In addition, the paper discussed the main characteristics of Australian remand populations in order to identify major changes over the period from 1982 to 1998. Results showed jurisdictional differences in the trend and relative size of remand populations, which might reflect the combined action of a number of factors such as: the likelihood of a plea of guilty; the likelihood of conviction; the likelihood of a sentence of imprisonment; legislative provisions relating to the granting of bail; the interpretation of these provisions by magistrates; the workload and efficiency of criminal justice processes; and whether the characteristics of an accused matched those in the legislation. The analyses suggested the absence of major changes in remand practices in Australia over the past 16 years. The use of remand in relatively minor offenses increased between 1988 and 1998. The proportion of remand prisoners increased by 75 percent between 1982 and 1998. Results suggested that the use of remand has had relatively minor long-term impact on the size of Australian prison populations. Tables, graphs, and charts.