Fängelse

Fängelse is the Swedish term for a prison. It designates a facility where individuals are deprived of liberty under legal authority, typically after being convicted of crimes or while awaiting trial or sentencing.

Purpose and function: to punish, deter, protect society, and rehabilitate offenders. Conditions vary; inmates may have access to education, work programs, medical and mental health care, and social services. Security levels range from low to high; housing is organized by unit and regime, with visiting rights and disciplinary procedures.

Organisation: prisons employ staff including guards, administrators, and specialists such as psychologists, educators, and social workers. The daily routine includes meals, work, education, counseling, and recreation.

History: modern prisons emerged in Europe in the 17th–19th centuries; the penitentiary movement emphasized solitary reflection and reform. In many places the emphasis later shifted toward rehabilitation and reintegration during the 20th century, with contemporary debates focusing on alternatives to detention and strategies to prevent recidivism.

International context: Standards such as the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners guide practices. Human rights concerns include overcrowding, access to health care, and freedom from abuse. The use of imprisonment varies by country, with ongoing discussions about reform and alternatives such as probation, electronic monitoring, and community-based sanctions.