Criminal Records: Governing Symbols

Abstract

In this chapter I will focus upon transformations in the regulation of criminal records in Sweden. Keeping track of ex-convicts is a crucial part of the criminal justice system and extends the reach of the system ‘outside’ formal punishment. Legally, a criminal record is not classified as a punishment in Sweden. The court does not rule on whether or not somebody should be included in the register, and the decision on which crimes should be registered is made by parliament. However, a criminal record that can be made visible during certain circumstances functions as a social punishment in its consequences. In the following I will be referring to punishment as including both formal and informal forms — for example, both court sentences and reactions in civil society towards people with criminal convictions.