Pioneers in criminal law: an insight on Norway prison system

The Norwegian incarceration system is considered one of the most successful in the world, due to its particularly low recidivism rate. This factor can be read as one of the most important ones when evaluating the efficiency of an incarceration system. The success of this approach to punishment can be tied to multiple elements, such as the activities that are offered to inmates, the way prisons are structured and the method the prison officers use to keep peace between inmates.

Nowadays, Norway is viewed as an example to follow for being the forefront for the humane treatment of prisoners. However, this was not always the case; in fact, in the 1990s Norway suffered high recidivism rates, reaching about 70% (What We Can Learn From Norway’s Prison System: Rehabilitation & Recidivism, 2022). During this time, the focus of prisons was mostly related to security and control, creating a toxic environment (How Norway turns criminals into good neighbours, 2019). On the contrary, currently Norway decides to prioritise education and dignity inside prisons. This revolutionary approach allowed the recidivism rate to fall to about 20%, within two years from their release (What We Can Learn From Norway’s Prison System: Rehabilitation & Recidivism, 2022).

The Norwegian correctional system is based on the so-called import model. This means that the deprivation of freedom is the prime and only form of punishment, and it is believed there is no need to strip inmates of other rights as citizens (Giertsen, Prison and Welfare in Norway, 2018).

As mentioned before, this model is effective thanks to different elements. Firstly, the prison structure itself is important. Smaller prisons are preferred, over bigger and centralized jails, which are more typical in many other countries, like the US. This choice allows inmates to stay close to their homes, and to maintain relationships with their family members and friends. Furthermore, prisoners are allowed up to three visits a week. The benefits of this approach can be appreciated especially after the release, a crucial moment for inmates, when the need for a strong support system is higher than ever (What We Can Learn From Norway’s Prison System: Rehabilitation & Recidivism, 2022).

Secondly, even prison officers’ behavior is directed at creating a more peaceful environment. The approach used privileges dialogue over coercive measures, and it is called dynamic security (How Norway turns criminals into good neighbours, 2019). Moreover, the period of formation which leads to this profession is longer compared to other correctional systems. Indeed, aspiring prison officers have to undergo a two-year degree programme, where they study subjects like psychology, psychiatry and law (Giertsen, Prison and Welfare in Norway, 2018).

The prison system is also centered around rehabilitation of inmates. For this reason, inmates are offered the possibility to pursue education, as well as the ability to learn a profession. This ensures that inmates are able to be contributing members of society when they regain freedom and is part of the reason why the recidivism rate is particularly low. (How Norway turns criminals into good neighbours, 2019). In addition, to comply with the principle of normality, inmates will be moving from higher security prisons, to lower security ones, as their sentence progresses (About the Norwegian Correctional Service, s.d.).

The Norwegian prison system distinguishes itself from others in the matter of sentencing as well. The maximum sentence in Norway is 21 years; this time limit has the exception in case of crimes against humanity, genocide, and other war crimes, in which the sentence can be brought up to 30 years (About the Norwegian Correctional Service, s.d.). However, Norway also has an institute that ensures that individuals who still represent a threat to society remain in prison, the so-called forvaring. In this case, a judge must analyze each specific situation and carry out a judgment every maximum 5 years regarding the danger of the individual and possibly negating their freedom (Norway overview, s.d.).

Having tackled some of the most significant characteristics of the Norwegian prison system and its effectiveness, we can question why this system is not implemented in more countries. One of the reasons is the strong support the Norwegian population shares towards this correctional system, which allows to devolve a significant part of the national budget to the cause (What We Can Learn From Norway’s Prison System: Rehabilitation & Recidivism, 2022). On the other hand, Norway imprisons far fewer people compared to other countries, which means that the system is less crowded. For instance, data has shown that about 55 people per 100,000 are incarcerated in Norway, compared to 136 in the UK (Cocco, 2023).

In conclusion, Norway has brought to the table a new approach to criminal justice. The more humane and dignifying approach selected by this country has incredibly positive effects not only on inmates but on society altogether. This can be seen especially taking into consideration the low recidivism rate. However, there are still some doubts regarding the potential success of this system in other Western countries. The biggest obstacle seems to be the perception of the population towards inmates, as well as the idea of what punishment should be like.

Bibliography

Cocco, M. F. (2023). Prisons and Prisoners in Europe 2023: Key Findings of the SPACE I survey. Retrieved from https://wp.unil.ch/space/files/2024/12/SPACE_I_2023_Key_Findings.pdf

Giertsen, H. (2018). Prison and Welfare in Norway. Massimo Pavarini and Livio Ferrari.

Giertsen, H. (2018). Prison and Welfare in Norway. Massimo Pavarini and Livio Ferrari.

How Norway turns criminals into good neighbours. (2019, July 7). Retrieved from BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-48885846

How Norway turns criminals into good neighbours. (2019, July 7). Retrieved from BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-48885846

Norway overview. (n.d.). Retrieved from Prison Insider: https://www.prison-insider.com/countryprofile/prisons-norway2019?s=vue-d-ensemble#vue-d-ensemble

What We Can Learn From Norway’s Prison System: Rehabilitation & Recidivism. (2022, January 3). Retrieved from First Step Alliance: https://www.firststepalliance.org/post/norway-prison-system-lessons#:~:text=The%20most%20profound%20benefit%3A%20Norway,recidivism%20rate%20is%20only%2025%25.

What We Can Learn From Norway’s Prison System: Rehabilitation & Recidivism. (2022, January 3). Retrieved from First Step Alliance: https://www.firststepalliance.org/post/norway-prison-system-lessons#:~:text=The%20most%20profound%20benefit%3A%20Norway,recidivism%20rate%20is%20only%2025%25.

What We Can Learn From Norway’s Prison System: Rehabilitation & Recidivism. (2022, January 3). Retrieved from First Step Alliance: https://www.firststepalliance.org/post/norway-prison-system-lessons#:~:text=The%20most%20profound%20benefit%3A%20Norway,recidivism%20rate%20is%20only%2025%25.

What We Can Learn From Norway’s Prison System: Rehabilitation & Recidivism. (2022, January 3). Retrieved from First Step Alliance: https://www.firststepalliance.org/post/norway-prison-system-lessons#:~:text=The%20most%20profound%20benefit%3A%20Norway,recidivism%20rate%20is%20only%2025%25.