Here, sentences handed out by courts over recent years are reviewed regarding the serious crimes of homicide, robbery, and rape.
  Fig. 7-5-1-1 (1) (2) and (3) shows the trends in sentencing for homicide, robbery and rape, respectively, in the court of first instance over the last 10 years.

Fig.7-5-1-1  Sentencing in the court of first instance for homicide, robbery and rape (1997-2006)

  The percent ratio of homicide offenders sentenced to imprisonment with work for over 10 years has been increasing, from 16.0% in 1977 to 30.6% in 2006. The number of criminal offenders sentenced to life imprisonment was five in 1997, but increased to 26 in 2006. Also, the suspended execution rate has been on a decreasing trend when reviewed over a long term, with 21.1% in 1997 and 17.1% in 2006.
  The percent ratio of robbery offenders sentenced to imprisonment with work for over 10 years has been increasing, from 3.2% in 1997 to 9.7% in 2006. As for those sentenced to life imprisonment, the number was 25 in 1997 but 71 in 2006. Also, suspended execution rate has been on a decreasing trend, with 14.1% in 1997 and 12.0% in 2006.
  The percent ratio of rape offenders sentenced to imprisonment with work for over five years has been increasing from 8.1% in 1997 to 35.8% in 2006. Looking at its breakdown reveals that sentences with longer imprisonment terms have been handed out. In 1997 seven were sentenced to imprisonment with work for over 10 years, while 57 persons were in 2006. Nobody was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1997, whereas three persons in 2004, two persons in 2005, and one person were in 2006. Also, the suspended execution rate has been on a decreasing trend, with 31.0% in 1997 and 17.8% in 2006.