Fängsling

Fängsling is a Swedish term that translates to "imprisonment" or "confinement" in English. It refers to the legal deprivation of a person's liberty as a punishment for a crime or as a means of ensuring their appearance in court. In Sweden, the primary form of imprisonment is served in a correctional facility, known as a kriminvårdsanstalt.

The purpose of fängsling in the Swedish legal system is multifaceted. It includes retribution for offenses, deterrence of future criminal behavior, and rehabilitation of offenders. Sentences of imprisonment are handed down by Swedish courts following a conviction. The length of the sentence varies depending on the severity of the crime.

Swedish correctional facilities operate under the principle of "normalization," aiming to provide a living environment as close to ordinary life as possible while maintaining security. This includes opportunities for education, work, and treatment programs designed to address the underlying causes of offending behavior. The Swedish Prison and Probation Service (Kriminalvården) is responsible for the administration of correctional facilities and the supervision of offenders serving sentences or alternative sanctions.

In addition to imprisonment, Swedish law also provides for other forms of deprivation of liberty, such as detention (häktning), which is typically used for individuals awaiting trial. Fängsling represents a significant sanction within the Swedish justice system, aiming to balance punishment with the goal of reintegrating offenders into society.