ABSTRACT
In the preface to this book, Thomas Mathiesen maintains that an abolitionist stance may contribute to what he calls “turning points”. Examples of such turning points in Norway are the abolition of forced labor for alcoholic vagrants and the youth prison system in the 1970s. The background for these abolitions was complex, but the abolitionist stance was indeed important. Another special measure – preventive supervision – was also under serious attack for decades. However, this measure was not abolished. The use of the sanction was for a period limited, but in 2002 it was replaced with the sanction preventive detention and two special measures for the mentally ill and the mentally disabled. These sanctions are today in full use.
