Pre-trial imprisonment in Denmark

The presumption of innocence is a fundamental legal principle in a democratic state and implies that no one should be punished by the state before an investigation has been conducted and a judge has passed a sentence. Nonetheless, a significant number of persons in Denmark are held in remand detention and are subjected to especially strict prison regimes often for lengthy periods of time, before a conviction is given.

In recent years, a third of the entire Danish prison population has been made up by remand prisoners. Yet, it is rarely discussed what actually happens when a person is detained before trial. Is it true that pre-trial detention is often more intimidating and burdensome than punishment in a regular prison? Are the conditions for convicted prisoners often much better than for those whom we should still consider innocent? Such questions form the point of departure for this research project that focuses on the Danish remand prison regime and the experience of pre-trial detention.

To examine these issues, the project will draw on surveys conducted among detainees and staff in remand prisons, as well as qualitative interviews and written sources.