With news of the horrible shootings in Norway these past few days comes also an examination of the Norwegian criminal justice system, and the shocking information that a person can only be sentenced for up to 21 years maximum. The idea that a person could only get 21 years total for criminal acts, no matter what he did is completely alien to anyone living in the U.S. In Virginia for example the maximum sentence a person can receive is death. Virginia juries can sentence defendants to multiple life sentences. There is no possibility of parole in Virginia because Virginia abolished parole years ago. It is not a stretch to say that the criminal justice systems of Norway and Virginia are completely different.
Actually Norwegian convicts can serve more than 21 years in prison, they can receive up to 5 year increments of additional prison time depending on whether they are considered dangerous or a high risk of committing serious offenses. Prosecutor Carol Sandbye has stated that Anders Breivik, the perpetrator of the horrific attack on Norwegian teenagers that left 68 dead, could be jailed for his entire life. Sandbye also stated that it was unheard of in Norway and that life in prison was possible but highly unlikely.
Norwegian prisons are also very different from those a prisoner would see in the United Stated. Norway received a lot of attention in April 2010 because of the opening of Halden Gengsel, Norway's new prison. Built on 75 acres of forest, the prison contains trails, a modern gym and library, separate state of the art kitchens that support 15 each of the dormitory like prison cells. It has a sound studio, a gourmet kitchen where prisoners learn to cook, and a two story house for visiting family. The prison cells have mini-fridges, flat screen TVs, and no bars on the windows.
Norway does not view prison as punishment at all. They view it as a place to rehabilitate people and to reintegrate them back into the public. They are focused on mutual respect and human rights. Prison guards and staff play recreational games and sports with the inmates to foster trusting relationships between them.
The result of Norway's approach to criminal justice are among the lowest recidivism rate (about 20% - compare to US 45% (PEW Study PDF)) and crime rates in the world. Norway's experience shows that treating prisoners with respect and approaching incarceration as a chance to rehabilitate instead of only punishment is a viable approach to dealing with crime. While this approach is politically unpopular in the United States, those who would further their political careers by being "tough on crime" are probably only throwing away the opportunity to rehabilitate and effectively reintegrate convicted persons into society, with high recidivism rates as a result.
Norwegian Prison (youtube)
World's Nicest Prison: Halden Prison, Norway (youtube)