ABSTRACT
This chapter will explore the types of control strategies used in Norwegian courts regarding young women on trial for having committed serious crimes. The court is a central institution in the criminal justice system, and the courts’ sentencing practices reflect contemporary control strategies in a society. Within the courtroom young women on trial are in minority, and in contrast to some other countries, Norway does not have a separate court for youths under 18 years of age. The court is, though, obliged to follow principles from The Human Rights Act and The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in the preparation of – and during – trials where girls and young women are involved. The chapter is based on a qualitative study consisting of field observations in court and court cases regarding young women between 15 and 25 years of age. Inspired by the philosopher, Harding’s (1986) analytical understanding of gender and the sociologist, Rose’s (2000) concepts of inclusion and exclusion, the courtroom is analysed as a gendered space positioning young women on trial as reformable and not reformable. The chapter is a contribution to the academic literature regarding the sociology of law and courtroom studies.
