NCJ Number
86330
Date Published
1981
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This discussion of probation in Denmark considers law enforcement and the administration of justice as well as the organization and working methods of the probation system.
Abstract
Legal procedures in Denmark are simplified in two categories of cases. If the accused has confessed and the confession is corroborated by other facts, the case can be tried summarily, and in a large number of cases involving criminal violations outside the criminal code or where the maximum penalty is a fine or lenient imprisonment, the chief of police may prosecute. Denmark has 84 court districts, each having a district court functioning as the court of first instance. There are two high courts of appeal and a Supreme Court. Regular sentences are fines, lenient imprisonment, and ordinary imprisonment. Denmark's suspended sentence system can be compared with the British system of probation or a suspended sentence supervision order. A suspended sentence in Denmark means that the sentence is suspended for the probation period and will not take effect unless the probationer commits another punishable offense or violates other conditions determined by the court. A typical local probation and aftercare office of a county will have a caseload of about 100-120 clients, and it will prepare about 125 background reports annually. The staff consists of a principal probation officer, four social workers, and two or three full-time clerks. A probation officer's objectives are to guide the client in a positive use of his/her capabilities and to supervise the client's behavior to comply with probation conditions. In addition to establishing a positive relationship with the client, the probation officer is expected to arrange educational and vocational services for the client. Officers also prepare background reports on accuseds. There are nine hostels of probationers and parolees, and the hostel staff cooperates with the probation and parole officers of the residents.