The Principle(s) of Prison Law

Abstract

The principle of the normalisation is a European human rights principle codified in the European Prison Rules and a core value of many countries, particularly all Scandinavian prison systems. The principle means that authorities must not interfere with prisoners’ lives more than what is necessary in a prison environment and also requires authorities to actively create conditions which approach conditions on the outside whenever possible. In some interpretations the concept of normalisation also means that the prison authorities have to facilitate the individual inmate’s endeavours to achieve his/her own normality while in prison. But which restrictions should be seen as inherent to the deprivation of liberty and what is to be considered normal in prison and outside society? This paper addresses these questions on the basis of theory and prison practices.