The total number of crimes reported by the police in 1973 was 225,000. However, a victimization study revealed that only about 30 percent of all crimes committed are reported to the police. Thus, the true crime rate in Minnesota, as in other States, is substantially higher than the reported figures. The flow of people through the criminal justice system continues to diminish from the courts to corrections, since the majority of convictions lead to probation, fine, or a stayed or suspended sentence. In general, clearance rates are of questionable value as an indicator of police effectiveness in controlling crime. In addition, crime data from local units of government in Minnesota, at least outside the largest cities, show great yearly variability, making it difficult to compare accurately statistics for different areas. The courts present a puzzling area in the analysis of the criminal justice system. They do not determine by trial the guilt or innocence of criminal defendants, perhaps their main intended function. Exactly how the prosecutors and courts operate with regard to charging decisions, plea negotiations, and sentencing decisions is not open to public scrutiny. Although only a small percentage of Minnesota's criminals are confined to State prisons, the effectiveness of the prison cannot be dismissed solely on this basis. On the other hand, prison or probation services cannot be justified on their rehabilitation programs alone, as these have proven to be largely unsuccessful. Two tables, 11 figures, 21 footnotes, and a 31-entry bibliography are provided.