Denmark

Abstract

Denmark is a rich Scandinavian welfare state with a low crime rate and a low prison rate compared to the majority of all other countries. Over the latest decade juvenile crime has been decreasing. Like the other Scandinavian countries a specific juvenile justice system with, for instance, juvenile courts, juvenile prisons, etc. has never existed. The absence of a juvenile justice system does not mean that juvenile crime is not responded to. It just means that the means and the ideology of social welfare have the lead when children and juveniles are involved with crime. Current political debates and initiatives suggest that Denmark may be taking the first steps away from the Scandinavian road, toward a more formalistic and punitive approach to juvenile justice. The future will tell whether the foreseen changes of the legislation will bring changes into practice or will remain as ideological highlights.