The National Judicial Reporting Program (NJRP) is a study sponsored by the
Bureau of Justice Statistics to obtain national data on the sentencing of convicted
felons. The purpose of this study is to develop national estimates of felony
sentences by type of crime and length and type of sentence. A sampled survey of felons sentenced in 300 select general jurisdiction courts
in the U.S.. In 2004, there were an estimated 1,079,000 convicted felons in
the U.S.. Data are collected on individuals convicted of felony crimes, including date
of birth, gender, race, ethnicity; dates of arrest, conviction and sentencing;
type of sentence imposed, length of sentence and the charge(s) on which sentenced. Biennially since 1986, for even numbered years. Data are for felony sentences
during the preceding calendar year. Two data collection methods are used: electronic data submissions and paper
data submissions. A new sample is selected after three survey cycles. Public use electronic files are produced by Census approximately 24 months
after the reference year for the University of Michigan, under agreement with
the Department of Justice. Files omit individual identifying information. Felony Sentences in State Courts are bulletins published by the Bureau of Justice
Statistics (BJS) approximately two years after the reference year. They provide
summary data for the Nation, including type of offense; average length of prison,
jail and probation sentences; and selected demographic characteristics. State Court Sentencing of Convicted Felons B Statistical Tables provide additional
data from the survey which include crime definitions, standard error tables,
and detail on methodology. The Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics uses the data to analyze
criminal justice systems operations. State court administrators use these data
to analyze individual courts and comparability of estimates of sentencing for
the nation as a whole. Universities and researchers use these data to analyze
sentencing practices. General news media also use the data. Provide the only current national estimates of the number of felony sentences
and the individual characteristics of convicted felons in the U.S. EXPLORE INFORMATION CONTINUE OVERVIEW
NATIONAL JUDICIAL REPORTING PROGRAM
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