Crime and punishment

Each year, over one million crimes are reported in Sweden, 2009 38 per cent of which are solved. Those who have broken the law begin a journey through the Swedish justice system.

Alongside the police, the prosecution service and the courts, the Prison and Probation Service ensures that the process from crime to punishment is as just and swift as possible.

The preliminary investigation by the police forms the basis for the prosecutor's decision whether or not to prosecute when a crime has been committed. If a decision is made to prosecute, an application for a summons is submitted to the district court.

It is the task of the court to determine whether the suspect committed the crime of which he or she is accused. If the suspect is found guilty, he or she receives the sentence applicable to the crime in question. The Swedish penal code lists crimes and their sentences.

The sentences listed in the penal code are a fine, imprisonment, conditional sentence, probation and committal for special care.