NCJ Number
27379
Date Published
1972
Length
109 pages
Annotation
REPORT OF A WORK GROUP ASSIGNED BY THE DANISH MINISTRY OF JUSTICE TO THE TASK OF STUDYING THE SUBJECT AND MAKING SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS.
Abstract
TWO METHODS OF DECRIMINALIZATION ARE POSSIBLE - EITHER MAKE MORE USE OF PROBATION AND PAROLE OR IMPOSE LESS SEVERE SENTENCES. LESS SERIOUS PROPERTY CRIMES SUCH AS AUTO JOYRIDING, SHOPLIFTING AND PASSING BAD CHECKS ARE DISCUSSED AS CANDIDATES FOR DOWNGRADING AS TO SEVERITY. THE WORK GROUP ADVOCATED DOING AWAY WITH JAIL SENTENCES (IN CONTRAST WITH PRISON SENTENCES) ENTIRELY AND REPLACING THEM BY FINES. IN THE CORRECTIONS AREA, THEY ADVOCATED GREATER LENIENCY IN THE REINCARCERATION OF PAROLEES FOR PAROLE BIOLATIONS AND IN THE LENGTHENING OF THE SENTENCES OF ESCAPEES AND THOSE LATE IN RETURNING FROM AUTHORIZED ABSENCES. STATISTICS ON OFFENSES AND SENTENCES IN DENMARK ARE INCLUDED IN SUPPORT OF THE ARGUMENTS CONTAINED IN THE TEXT. THE WORK GROUP'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ALTERATIONS IN DANISH LAW ARE PRESENTED IN AN APPENDIX. --IN DANISH