Duration of criminal justice proceedings for sexual offences against children in Finland

Prolonged processing times pose a significant challenge to the administration of justice in Finland and across Europe. Extended delays adversely affect those involved in legal proceedings and undermine the timely delivery of justice, which is vital for public trust in the legal system. This article analyses the times taken to process sexual offences targeting children and the factors associated with their protraction. The data include official statistics on reported, prosecuted, and adjudicated cases between 2014 and 2023, along with their turnaround times. In addition, the study examines the final decisions of district courts and courts of appeal from 2017 to 2018 to identify variables that might explain the time required in terms of the characteristics of the offence or the parties involved. The results indicate considerably longer durations for sexual offences against children compared to other serious sexual and violent crimes. The study also outlines regional disparities in the time taken, especially during pre-trial investigations. Few factors related to offence characteristics and involved parties reached statistical significance, highlighting the disproportionate impact of lengthy proceedings on the most vulnerable children. Regional differences indicate the need for further area-based examination of investigative and judicial processes and resource allocation.