The criminal justice system's organization and administration are described; the various roles of the practitioners are explained; the legal process is examined; and some of the critical issues that face the criminal justice system are assessed. Sweden is noted for being exceptionally stable and industrially prosperous. Part of this success is due to the government's ability to obtain compromises and reach consensus opinions that are beneficial for most of the citizenry. The government official with the greatest responsibility for the justice system is the Minister of Justice, who is concerned with criminal justice legislation, the police, criminal procedure, criminal courts, prisons, and probation. The police have been consolidated into a number of efficient forces, and there is a separate entry scheme for police commissioners; new recruits are exposed to a broad range of police work including criminal investigation. Judges and prosecutors receive special training for their responsibilities, and laypersons are used extensively in the system. Sweden's most significant contribution to criminal justice is the development of a humane and just sentencing philosophy. Imprisonment is used sparingly, and prison terms are relatively short. Treatment opportunities in prison are designed to prepare inmates to pursue a law-abiding life after release. Community-based sanctions emphasize justice and treatment, and the day fine is used extensively. 3 organizational figures