There has been a significant increase in the number of murder and manslaughter cases coming before the courts.
The annual report of the Courts Service showed an overall increase of 15% in the number of criminal cases dealt with last year.
According to the report, the number of murder and manslaughter cases increased by 18% between 2006 and 2007, while the number of rape cases increased by 26%.
There was also a significant increase in the number of personal injuries cases, which included people challenging judgements of the Injuries Board.
New personal injuries cases more than doubled to nearly 6000 cases last year.
In family law, there was a 21% increase in the number of Protection Orders sought, however, there was no change in the number of people applying for divorces and separations.
There was an increase of 25% in road traffic cases on the previous year.
The small claims court saw a 25% increase in new cases, many of which related to furniture purchases. Applications for new pub and hotel licences also dropped.
