Lessons for the American Justice System from Norway

The American criminal justice system is increasingly criticized as prioritizing punishment over public safety. With an incarceration rate of about 700 per 100,000 people, compared to about 55 per 100,000 in Norway, the United States faces a persistent cycle of mass incarceration and reoffending. Yet recent reforms inspired by Scandinavian models in states like North Dakota and Pennsylvania suggest that even deeply entrenched systems can shift when they prioritize human dignity alongside accountability.

"Likhet" and the “Principle of Normality”

The primary driver of Norway’s outcomes is the principle of Likhet (equality). Under this framework, punishment is defined as loss of liberty, not the loss of humanity. While many U.S. corrections practices emphasize control and deterrence, Norwegians prisons are designed to prepare individuals to return to society as "better neighbors." The “Principle of Normality” is also a huge part of prisons in Norway, where the principle is that life in prison should mirror life outside of the prison as closely as possible. The idea is that the punishment is a loss of freedom, and keeping things as “normal” as possible allows for a smoother transition upon release.

The Cost-Benefit Issue

One of the most common objections to reform is the cost. Norway spends $127,671 per incarcerated individual compared to approximately $25,000–$31,000 in the United States.

However, Norway’s recidivism rate hovers around 20% while rates in the U.S. approach 75%. Over time, lower offending reduces total system costs by decreasing arrest, prosecution, and incarceration.

Humane Programs in American Prisons

Despite the differences in population and culture, some U.S. facilities are successfully testing Norwegian methods of prison life.

After a 2015 visit to Halden Prison, North Dakota restructured its approach around “dynamic security,” emphasizing relationships between staff and incarcerated individuals. This approach replaces bars and isolation with trust-building and communication.

North Dakota prisons implemented The Man Camp, which is used to ease overcrowding while keeping community ties. Modular housing units with private quarters and real mattresses were implemented, helping inmates feel more self-sufficient. North Dakota has also dramatically reduced reliance on solitary confinement, reserving it only for those who are an immediate physical danger and are using behavioral therapy instead.

In Pennsylvania, a 2019 delegation visit to several Nordic facilities led to the creation of a specialized unit called "Little Scandinavia" at the medium-security SCI Chester prison.

The unit includes single rooms, shared kitchens with real equipment, plants, and even a large fish tank. Despite having access to kitchen tools, there have been no reported cases of violence. Both inmates and officers report higher morale and a better sense of safety and community. They also use the Norwegian “Principle of Normality” in order to make the transition out of prison life and into normal life as easy as possible.

Barriers to National Reform

If these models show promise, why hasn't the U.S. system changed? The barriers are both political, with private prisons, officer unions, and rural legislators often benefiting financially from high incarceration rates. Economic incentives tied to incarceration, the geographic distribution of prisons, and policy frameworks shaped by decades of “tough on crime” legislation all complicate change. Private prisons alone spent over $25 million on lobbying between 1989 and 2015 to keep things as they are.

In contrast, Norway’s system is supported by a strong welfare state that provides a robust social safety net, including income, healthcare, and housing after release. In contrast, many individuals in the U.S. return to conditions that increase the likelihood of reoffending. Moreover, implementing humane conditions can also be politically unpopular among some people and parties, as it’s often labeled as being "soft on crime."

Positive Public Opinion

Improvement and progress are in the hands of the American voter. 91% of Americans believe the justice system requires reform, 71% believe it’s important to reduce incarceration, and 66% say they would vote for candidates who reinvest prison budgets into drug treatment and mental health programs, as revealed by current data from the ACLU, indicating a shift in public sentiment.

The Strategy for Change

To overcome financial and political barriers, reform must focus on decarceration. Reducing mandatory minimums and limiting the number of inmates could allow states to reinvest in rehabilitation that actually works. As North Dakota and Pennsylvania demonstrate, shifting from a retribution to rehabilitation doesn't just help the incarcerated, it creates safer environments for officers and healthier communities for everyone.