New initiative launched for fast court addressing youth crime in Norway

A new initiative aimed at accelerating the legal process for young offenders between the ages of 15 and 18 has been launched in Norway. Under the leadership of Judge Anita Jarvoll Hekneby, the project, termed a “fast court,” is designed to address a growing concern over youth crime, particularly in areas such as violence, threats, and robbery.

Since 2020, every police district in Norway has reported an increase in reported offenses within these categories committed by adolescents aged 10–17. Hekneby emphasizes the importance of timely justice, stating that delays in processing cases could lead to further criminal behavior while young offenders await sentencing. Research indicates that, on average, it took over 200 days to initiate a response to juvenile crimes prior to this project.

The fast court represents a significant collaboration between various stakeholders involved in the criminal justice system. Hekneby mentioned that their current operating procedures have only been functional for a short period, making it premature to assess their full impact. However, involved parties are motivated and engaged in making the system work efficiently.

Lars Faye Ree, a defender in the Agder district court, supports the initiative, highlighting that it addresses serious challenges related to youth crime in the area. He points out that for young individuals facing charges, the process can feel burdensome, and a swift response might diminish the feeling of impunity among them. Nevertheless, he cautions that the speed of proceedings should not compromise the thoroughness of investigations.

The goal of this initiative is to streamline the transitions among various judicial entities, helping to eliminate identified delays and improve the response to youth crime effectively.