On the penitentiary experience of Scandinavian countries

Purpose: This study aims to describe the Scandinavian penitentiary institutions’ work experience with the aim of comparing the Russian Federation penitentiary institutions’ work experience and possible use of the elements of Scandinavian practice. Methodology: Empirical observation and sociological methods were used. Results: The paper discusses the general criminalization trends in Scandinavian countries and their correlation to those of Southern and Central European countries. The author points out differences in the sanctions employed, such as fine, imprisonment, community service, pretrial detention, as well as a relative stability of the number of inmates in Norway, Sweden, Finland. Denmark observes an increase of their number, whereas Sweden has a relatively larger percentage of foreign inmates. The penitentiary institutions are well staffed and have low capacity - from 50 to 500 inmates. A number of institutions are open type ones. Much attention is paid to the psychological and medical methods of preventing recidivism...