NCJ Number
86134
Date Published
1981
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This overview of Sweden's civil law system of criminal justice covers substantive criminal law, criminal procedure, and the execution of penal measures (corrections).
Abstract
General information on Sweden's criminal justice system includes a summary of the legal system and sketches of the structure and functioning of the law enforcement agencies, the scope of criminal law, and the philosophy of penal measures, which essentially aims at combining humane treatment with efficiency. The section on substantive criminal law considers the principle of legality, which is based in the view that there can be no crime or punishment without specific indications in law. The discussion of substantive criminal law also gives brief consideration to grades of offenses; age of criminal responsibility; criminal responsibility for corporations; mens rea; and attempt, preparation, conspiracy, and complicity. Rules of exception, which amount to defenses either by express provision or by court decisions, are listed and briefly explained, along with kinds of penal measures. The posture of the law toward various categories of offenders is examined as well, including offenders with drug or alcohol problems, dangerous and habitual offenders, female ofenders, and offenders from abroad. Following a brief description of criminal procedure, the section on corrections focuses on fines, probation, treatment and care, and disciplinary measures within the institutional care. Brief attention is given to international collaboration in the execution of punishments.