NCJ Number
142026
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 33 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1993) Pages: 81-94
Date Published
1993
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The Conflict Resolution Board (CRB) in Norway represents a forum where conflicts can be discussed and resolved outside the formal court system; parties to the conflict meet for mediation, along with a neutral third person to deal primarily with misdemeanors.
Abstract
Most CRB's are based in the office of social service agencies, and a child welfare specialist or social service case worker is generally the responsible individual. Also, most CRB's work in conjunction with the local police or bailiff. Norway's Ministry of Social Affairs has established a training center to assist counties wanting to start a CRB. As of 1989, 81 CRB's existed in Norway; they accepted 268 cases during the year, most of which were referred by the police. On average, 15 weeks elapsed between the time when the police received the case and the time when it was sent to the CRB. Of 7,593 juveniles coming to the attention of the police in 1989, 424 persons (9 percent female) had their cases handled by CRB's. The arrangement most frequently made after mediation by the CRB requires the offender to provide economic compensation to the victim. The mediator's job involves calling in the parties, leading the meeting, and helping the parties come to an agreement. Charges are not dropped in all cases, and the injured party or the offender sometimes refuses the CRB solution. In general, the CRB is considered to be a viable alternative to criminal case processing. The CRB system is particularly effective for young offenders who have their cases mediated because it enables them to avoid having their crimes registered by the police. Criticisms of the CRB system focus on its apparent ineffectiveness in preventing recidivism and reducing the time between crime commission and formal response to it. 9 references