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Prosecutions, sentences and punishments 2021

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

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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.

Database tables

Pick the data you need into tables, view the data as graphs, or download the data for your use.

Updated database tables
11if
Classifications used:
  • Offence group
  • District Court Judgment
  • Court of appeal
  • Court of Appeal judgment
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
12cj
Classifications used:
  • Sex
  • Offence group
  • Day-fine
  • Age
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
12d2
Classifications used:
  • Gender
  • Age
  • Sanction
  • Principal offence
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
12d3
Classifications used:
  • Sanction
  • Similarity of offences
  • Principal offence
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
126m
Classifications used:
  • Court of appeal
  • Offence group
  • Penalty change at Court of Appeal
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
126n
Classifications used:
  • Offence group
  • Court of appeal
  • Appellant
  • Court of Appeal decision
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
126p
Classifications used:
  • Offence group
  • Places of residence
  • Nationality
  • Statistic
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
126q
Classifications used:
  • Gender
  • Court
  • Age
  • Principal offence
  • Duration of the prohibition
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
126u
Classifications used:
  • Gender
  • Court
  • Age
  • Principal offence
  • Duration of the prohibition
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
126x
Classifications used:
  • Gender
  • Court
  • Age
  • Principal offence
  • Duration of the prohibition
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
126v
Classifications used:
  • Gender
  • Age
  • Amount of fine
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
New database tables
13r8
Classifications used:
  • Principal offence
  • Sentence
  • Gender
  • Age
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
13r7
Classifications used:
  • Court
  • Sentence
  • Principal offence
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
13re
Classifications used:
  • Gender
  • Age
  • Offence group
  • Length of sentence
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Statistics:
Updated:
Removed database tables

Future releases

Referencing instructions

Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Prosecutions, sentences and punishments [online publication].
Reference period: 2021. ISSN=2343-1679. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [Referenced: 12.5.2026].
Access method:

Related topics

Population and society

Contact information

Service email
rikos@stat.fi

Inquiries primarily

Laura Lipasti
Senior Statistician
029 551 3041

Head of Department in charge

Hannele Orjala
Head of Department in charge
029 551 3582