Criminal
The 2005 Penal Code, lay judges and a 21-year maximum
The Penal Code of 2005 (in force 2015) governs criminal law, with lay judges sitting alongside professionals. The ordinary maximum sentence is 21 years, extendable by preventive detention (forvaring).
Key rules
- The ordinary maximum determinate sentence is 21 years.
- Preventive detention (forvaring) can be extended for dangerous offenders.
- The prosecution is led by the Director of Public Prosecutions (Riksadvokaten).
Governing law
- Penal Code (Straffeloven) (2005)
- Criminal Procedure Act (Straffeprosessloven)
Penalties and consequences
- Fines and imprisonment up to 21 years; forvaring for dangerous offenders
In practice
Norway's emphasis on rehabilitation and its low maximum term draw international attention, but forvaring can in practice extend detention well beyond 21 years.