Capital punishment in Norway

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Death Penalty laws in Europe

Capital punishment in Norway

Capital punishment in Norway refers to the historical and legal aspects of the death penalty in Norway. The practice of capital punishment has been abolished in Norway, and the country is known for its strong stance against the death penalty.

Historical Background[edit | edit source]

Capital punishment was historically used in Norway for a variety of crimes, including murder, treason, and certain sexual offenses. The last execution in peacetime Norway occurred in 1876, when Kristoffer Nilsen Grindalen was executed for murder. During World War II, Norway was occupied by Nazi Germany, and the death penalty was used by the occupying forces. After the war, Norway reinstated the death penalty temporarily to deal with war criminals and collaborators. The last execution in Norway took place in 1948, when Ragnar Skancke was executed for treason.

Abolition[edit | edit source]

Norway formally abolished the death penalty for peacetime crimes in 1905. The death penalty for all crimes, including wartime offenses, was abolished in 1979. The abolition reflects Norway's commitment to human rights and its alignment with international norms against capital punishment.

Legal Framework[edit | edit source]

The abolition of the death penalty in Norway is enshrined in its legal framework. The Constitution of Norway and the Penal Code prohibit the use of capital punishment. Norway is also a signatory to various international treaties and conventions that advocate for the abolition of the death penalty, including the European Convention on Human Rights.

Public Opinion[edit | edit source]

Public opinion in Norway has generally been against the death penalty. Surveys and studies have shown that a majority of Norwegians support the abolition of capital punishment and believe in a justice system focused on rehabilitation rather than retribution.

International Stance[edit | edit source]

Norway is an active advocate for the global abolition of the death penalty. The country participates in international forums and organizations that work towards ending capital punishment worldwide. Norway also provides support to non-governmental organizations that campaign against the death penalty.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD