3 ms·

Isn't that effectively mandatory parole review after a set time period?

• vidarh 12y ago
  There's mandatory parole review for normal sentences in Norway too, and it typically happens after 2/3 of the sentencing term, but normal sentences always have a fixed maximum term that can't exceed 21 years. This special form of sentencing - "forvaring" - is different in that it in theory is open-ended if the person in question is found to be at risk of reoffending. If a sentence of "forvaring" is not given in the original trial, then the prisoner is free at the end of his/her prison term regardless of risk of reoffending, behaviour or other factors. The decision about whether or not to extend the term for someone given a sentence of "forvaring" is taken by the court, after a review by the prosecutors office, assuming the prosecutor choose to ask for an extension. The only consideration is the extent of the risk of reoffending - other factors that are often taken into account in normal parole hearings (such as expressing understanding of the crimes, regret etc.) are not normally relevant, as these hearings are not about whether or not the prisoner is eligible to be rewarded with early release, but whether or not there is a proven need for society to extend the incarceration beyond the maximum term set with the original sentence in order to protect peoples safety.