Analysis provided by: Monika Platek, Associate Professor, Institute of Penal Law, Law Faculty, Warsaw University.

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In Sweden the law, concerning the execution of penalty (criminal code and implementation acts) is written in a way that shows respect for an inmate, understanding for his/her participation in the process and openness for co-operation with an inmate and with society. It is also written in a way that shows the propagated carefulness in using the prison sanctions (see eg. Section 5 SFS 1974:203 Act on Correctional Treatment in Institutions SFS 1974:203, first entered into force on 1 July 1974 [SFS 1974:203])

The Swedish Parliament, together with new Act on Correctional Treatment in Institutions agreed on certain basic principles of the treatment of sentenced offenders.

Swedish legislator emphasizes the importance of handling offenders without deprivation of liberty. Prison should be the last possible resort. When deprivation of liberty is unavoidable, it should be organized so as to keep the offender in close contact with society.

As a result of such policy Sweden, as well as other Scandinavian penitentiary systems, similar to the Swedish one, are often cited as models for the rest of the world. Sweden, among them has been praised, in particular, for its enlightened and humane correctional policies and practices.

The development of the Swedish penal law has over the years aimed at reducing the use of shorter prison sentences. Much work has been carried out to find alternatives that do not entail deprivation of a person

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