In light of the remarkably low crimes rates and more important, low re-offending rates among the formerly incarcerated in Scandinavian countries, how can we label their approach as being "soft on crime?" In sharp contrast, the America system's "tough on crime" approach is met with notably higher rates of repeat offending. The American example is tough on criminals, but no on crime. In fact, there is ample evidence to demonstrate that our punitive practices do more to promote crime than to prevent it...Thought it may appear inconsistent with common sense to react to crime by affirming the dignity and value of individuals who have offended, and assuring their successful reintegration back into the community, there is abundant evidence to suggest this is precisely what promotes the abandonment of criminal activity. Humans are social mammals with a strong desire to belong to a community. When a humans being perceives himself as a valued member of a community, he will invest in the health ans safety of that community, rather than perceive his own needs as being separate from those of the larger community...For individuals to behave as valuable and respectful members of society, they must be treated as such
Andres Behring Breivik, the man responsible for the mass killings of 77 people in 2011, was only sentenced to 21 years in prison because this is the maximum sentence in Norway
"39% of Prisoners Should Not Be in Prison"
http://time.com/4596081/incarceration-report/