Since 1979 the Crime and Justice series has presented a review of the latest international research, providing expertise to enhance the work of sociologists, psychologists, criminal lawyers, justice scholars, and political scientists. Volume 40, Crime and Justice in Scandinavia, offers the most comprehensive and authoritative look ever available at criminal justice policies, practices, and research in the Nordic countries. It covers topics that range from the history of violence through juvenile delinquency, juvenile justice, and sentencing to controversial contemporary policies on...

Offers a comprehensive look at criminal justice policies, practices, and research in the Nordic countries. This book includes topics ranging from the history of violence through juvenile delinquency, juvenile justice, and sentencing to controversial contemporary policies on prostitution, victims, and organized crime.

Restorative justice has attracted increasing support world-wide, but it sits uncomfortably alongside entrenched attitudes towards punishment and retribution. Because it does not involve 'locking-up people and throwing away the key' it is not favoured reading for risk-averse politicians or the media. There are also vested interests at play which can be traced back to when the state first sought to enhance its coffers and cast victims to the sidelines. As a result, the concept of 'mercy' has become largely lost, distorting relationships between victims, offenders and communities. 'This is a...