Differences between the races regarding offences, acquittals, and sentences are small for those cases dealt with in the magistrates' courts. Only slight differences are found between blacks and whites in the Crown Court. There was, however, a higher proportion of blacks than whites tried and sentenced in the Crown Court; possible reasons are discussed. Overall, more blacks than whites proportionally were acquitted and also received custodial sentences. More blacks than whites or Asians were remanded in custody (as opposed to bail) at each stage of the proceedings in the courts and by police. The reported over-representation of blacks in custody may be explained by these findings. 16 tables, 18 references. (Author abstract modified)