So crime and laws

Why we have rules and laws in Sweden

In Sweden, we have rules and laws to make it easier to live together in society. If you break the law, you can be punished.

Sweden as a constitutional state

Sweden is a constitutional state. This means you cannot be punished for crimes that do not exist, and the law is the same for everyone.

Who makes the laws in Sweden

It is the Swedish parliament, called the Riksdag, that makes the laws.

How laws can change

People’s views of right and wrong can change over time, which can lead to changes in the law. For example, spanking children used to be allowed but is now illegal.

Causes of criminal behavior

It is hard to say exactly why someone becomes a criminal. Factors like heredity, environment, alcohol, and domestic violence can play a role.

Crime among young people

Young people aged 15–20 commit the most crimes. The most common crimes are theft and vandalism. Many young people commit crimes because of peer pressure, boredom, problems at home, or substance abuse. Most young offenders stop committing crimes when they grow older and take on more responsibilities.

The role of the police

The police are responsible for ensuring safety and preventing crime. When a crime happens, they start a preliminary investigation, question witnesses and suspects, and collect evidence.

The role of the prosecutor

A prosecutor is a lawyer who has studied Swedish law. If there is enough evidence, the prosecutor brings charges against a suspect.

Arrest and detention

The police can arrest a person and keep them locked up. If there is enough evidence, the person can be detained for up to 14 days.

Minor and major crimes

The punishment depends on how serious the crime is. Minor crimes have lighter punishments, major crimes have heavier punishments.

The courts in Sweden

There are three courts in Sweden: District Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court. They decide if there is enough evidence and what punishment to give. Judgments can be appealed to higher courts.

Types of punishments in Sweden

Punishments include fines, suspended sentences, probation, or imprisonment. Punishments aim to prevent crimes and help criminals change their behavior.

Why do we have rules and laws in Sweden?

To make it easier to live together and to make sure there are consequences if someone breaks the rules.

What does it mean that Sweden is a constitutional state?

You cannot be punished for crimes that do not exist, and the law applies equally to everyone.

Who is responsible for making Sweden’s laws?

The Riksdag, which is the Swedish parliament.

Why might laws change over time?

Because people’s views on what is right and wrong can change.

Give an example of a law that has changed in Sweden.

Spanking children used to be allowed but is now illegal. Sweden was actually the first country in the world to ban all forms of physical punishment against children, in 1979. This change reflected a new view that children should be protected from violence just like adults.

What are some reasons someone might become a criminal?

Heredity, environment, alcohol use, and domestic violence.

Heredity, environment, alcohol use, and domestic violence. In some cases, people grow up in difficult situations where crime is normalized, or they may experience abuse that leads to criminal behavior. Peer pressure, lack of education, unemployment, and poor mental health can also contribute to someone turning to crime. Social factors like poverty or feeling excluded from society may increase the risk.

Which group commits the most crimes in Sweden?

Young people aged 15 to 20

What are the most common crimes committed by young people?

The most common crimes committed by young people are theft and vandalism. Many young people are also involved in drug-related crimes, such as possession or dealing, often due to peer pressure or a desire to fit in. Some young people may also commit violent acts like fighting or bullying, but these behaviors generally decrease as they mature and take on more responsibilities.

What happens after a crime is committed?

1. Police are notified – When a crime is reported, the police are called to the scene.

2. Preliminary investigation – The police start an initial investigation. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and question suspects.

3. Evidence collection – The police collect physical evidence (like fingerprints or items related to the crime) to support the investigation.

4. Case review by prosecutor – Once the police gather enough information, they pass the case to the prosecutor.

5. Prosecutor’s decision – The prosecutor reviews the evidence to decide if there is enough to press charges against the suspect.

6. Court process – If charges are pressed, the case goes to court, where a judge and jury decide if the suspect is guilty or not.

7. Case closure – If there isn’t enough evidence, the case may be closed and the suspect won’t face charges.

What does a prosecutor do?

A prosecutor brings charges against a suspect if there is enough evidence.

How long can someone be detained by the police in Sweden?

Up to 14 days if there is enough evidence.

How are minor and major crimes different?

Minor crimes have lighter punishments; major crimes have heavier punishments Minor crimes have lighter punishments; major crimes have heavier punishments. – Minor crimes, like petty theft or minor vandalism, often result in lighter punishments such as fines, community service, or probation. These crimes are seen as less harmful to society. Major crimes, like serious assault or murder, usually carry heavier punishments, including longer prison sentences or more severe penalties. The punishment depends on the seriousness of the crime, its impact on victims, and whether the offender has a history of criminal behavior.

What are the three types of courts in Sweden?

District Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.

1. District Court (Tingsrätt) – This is the first level of court, where most criminal cases, civil disputes, and family matters are heard. The District Court determines whether someone is guilty or not guilty and decides on the punishment.

2. Court of Appeal (Hovrätt) – If someone disagrees with the decision made by the District Court, they can appeal to the Court of Appeal. This court reviews the case and can either confirm or change the decision made by the District Court.

3. Supreme Court (Högsta domstolen) – The Supreme Court is the highest court in Sweden. It only hears cases that are of major legal importance. If someone is unhappy with the ruling of the Court of Appeal, they may be able to have the case reviewed by the Supreme Court.

What types of punishments can you get in Sweden?

1. Fines – A monetary penalty for minor crimes.

2. Suspended sentence – No immediate prison time, but probation and conditions to follow.

3. Probation – Supervision and rehabilitation programs instead of prison.

4. Imprisonment – Prison time for more serious crimes.

What is the purpose of punishments in Sweden?

The purpose of punishments in Sweden is to prevent crime, protect society, and help offenders change their behavior. Punishments aim to rehabilitate criminals so they can reintegrate into society and avoid reoffending.

F&M: Dömd på förhand

Värdera och argumentera Question: What had Robert previously been arrested for?

Answer: Robert had been arrested for minor crimes, but nothing serious or violent. These previous arrests, though not major, contributed to his inclusion on the SSL list.

Sure! Here’s a simplified version of the flashcards that should make it easier for you to understand while still keeping the A-level focus:

Flashcard 1:

Question: What had Robert previously been arrested for?

Answer: Robert had been arrested for minor crimes, but none of them were serious. These past arrests contributed to him being on the SSL list.

Flashcard 2:

Question: Why did the police want to talk to Robert now?

Answer: The police wanted to talk to Robert because he was on the SSL list, which is a list of people who are more likely to commit or be victims of violent crime. They gave him a warning and said they were keeping an eye on him.

Flashcard 3:

Question: Why were people upset when they heard what had happened to Robert?

Answer: People were upset because they felt it was unfair to label Robert as a criminal before he had committed a crime. They were worried that using computers to predict crime could unfairly target people without proof.

Flashcard 4:

Question: What is the similarity between the program in Chicago and the “Stop Shooting” project in Malmö?

Answer: Both programs try to stop crime before it happens by talking to people who might commit or be affected by violent crime. Chicago uses a list to find these people, while Malmö sends police to warn them.

Flashcard 5:

Question: Using computer programs to prevent crime is controversial, but many believe it will be part of our future.

a. What advantages could there be to using a computer program to prevent crime?

Answer:

• Efficiency: Computer programs can process lots of data quickly to find risks faster than humans.

• Objectivity: Programs can be more fair than humans because they don’t have personal feelings or biases.

• Proactive: They can help prevent crimes before they happen by finding at-risk people or areas.

Flashcard 6:

Question: What disadvantages could there be to using a computer program to prevent crime?

Answer:

• Bias in Data: If the data used is unfair, it can target certain groups wrongly.

• No Human Judgment: Computers might miss important details or situations that people would notice.

• Privacy Concerns: Using personal information could invade people’s privacy.

Flashcard 7:

Question: In our modern world, we leave a lot of information about ourselves through our mobile phones, computers, smartwatches, and social media updates. Would you think it is okay for private information about you to be used by the police if it could prevent crime, or is there information you think should remain completely private? Reason and give examples of what you consider private information.

Answer:

• Personal Opinion: I believe some information should stay private, like messages, health details, and internet searches. Even though preventing crime is important, our privacy rights should be protected to stop misuse of personal data.

Flashcard 8:

Question: What is the “Stop Shooting” project?

Answer: The “Stop Shooting” project in Malmö is designed to prevent violence. It is based on a similar project from the U.S. It involves police visiting people who might be involved in violence and warning them about the consequences of their actions.

Flashcard 9:

Question: What were the results of the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) program in Boston and Stockton?

Answer: In Boston, the program led to 63% fewer youth murders, and in Stockton, there was a 43% reduction in deadly shootings. Malmö hopes to see similar results.

Flashcard 10:

Question: What is the SSL list, and how does it work?

Answer: The SSL list is a list made by a computer program that predicts which people are more likely to commit or be victims of violent crime. It uses past crime data to make these predictions.

Flashcard 11:

Question: How does the “Stop Shooting” program work in Malmö?

Answer: In Malmö, police visit high-risk people to warn them about the consequences of violence. These visits are meant to encourage people to change their behavior before they commit a crime.

These flashcards use simpler language while still covering all the important details for your oral exam. Let me know if you’d like any other adjustments!

Question: Why did the police want to talk to Robert now?

Answer: The police wanted to talk to Robert because his name appeared on the SSL list, a list of individuals who were statistically more likely to commit or become victims of violent crime. He was given a warning and told that the police were aware of his actions.