Attrition of human trafficking and slavery cases through the Australian criminal justice system

Abstract

Police and prosecutors face a range of challenges while investigating, prosecuting and, ultimately, attempting to secure a conviction for human trafficking and slavery offences in Australia. In this study, investigation and prosecution data were analysed to chart the progression of matters and identify reasons for attrition. Analysis revealed an overall prosecution attrition rate of 73 percent. Attrition was most evident during the initial phases of prosecution, when the decision to lay charges was being considered. However, there was a 60 percent chance of conviction as a result of the defendant either pleading or being found guilty.<br/ ><br/ >Defendants were more likely to be convicted for ancillary charges (eg migration offences) than the most serious charges of human trafficking and slavery. The prosecution attrition rate for the most serious charges was 80 percent, compared to 54 percent for lesser charges.