ence the law allows. Under special circumstances, such as multiple murders or prior convictions, a life sentence may be imposed. In addition to a prison sentence, the judge may sentence the suspect to TBS, or "terbeschikkingstelling", meaning detention in a psychiatric institution. TBS is imposed for a number of years (most often in relation to the severity of the crime) and thereafter prolonged if deemed necessary by a committee of psychiatrists. This can be done indefinitely, and has therefore been criticised as being a life sentence in disguise.
Finnish law calls the crime of causing the death of another human being "manslaughter" (tappo). The minimum sentence is eight years of imprisonment. Attempt is punishable. The crime of murder (murha) is defined as a manslaughter:
- with a firm intent (i.e. it is planned), or
- done in an especially brutal or cruel way, or
- while endangering public safety severely, or
- of a government official keeping the law and order.
The only sentence for murder is life in prison. However, the president can and usually will give a pardon (when requested) some time after 12 years. Involuntary confinement to a psychiatric institution may also result. It ends when the psychiatrist decides so, or when a court decrees it no longer necessary in a periodical review.
There is also the crime of "death" (surma), which is a "manslaughter" under mitigating circumstances, with the punishment of four to ten years. Involuntary manslaughter (kuolemantuottamus) has a maximum punishment of two years of prisonment or fine (see day fine).
Israel had 174 murders in 2004 (up from 135 in 1996 and down from 234 in 2001). Israel is a relatively safe country with a low crime rate even taking into account political crime, i.e. terrorism. 10 women were murdered by their male spouses in 2004 and 19 in 2003. Gangs are not considered a serious problem in Israel although there is underworld mafia activity. Because of the security situation in Israel (terrorist attacks) many people have gun licenses, own guns and carry them openly. Furthermore, Israeli soldiers usually carry rifles (including ammunition) on home leave. Notwithstanding or because of the high rate of gun ownership, the rate of gun related crime (e.g. armed robbery and shootings) is very low in Israel. Presumably, this is either because mandatory military service educates most Israelis about proper gun use, or because criminal are deterred by the real possibility of an armed victim.
There are 5 relevant types of homicide in Israel:
- Murder. The premeditated killing of a person or the intentional killing of a person whilst committing, preparing for, or escaping from any crime is murder. The mandatory punishment for this crime is life imprisonment. Life is usually commuted (clemency from the President) to 30 years from which a third can be deducted by the parole board for good behaviour. Terrorists are not usually granted pardons or parole other than as part of deals with terrorist organizations or foreign governments and in exchange for captured Israelis (or their bodies).
- Reduced sentenced murder. Where the murderer did not fully understand his actions because of mental defect (but not legal insanity or imbecility), or in circumstances close to self-defence, necessity or duress or where the murderer suffered from serious mental distress because of long-term abuse, the court can give a sentence of less than life.
- The deliberate killing of a person without premeditation (or the other circumstances of murder) is manslaughter for which the maximum sentence is 20 years.
- Negligent killing or vehicular killing. Maximum sentence is 3 years (minimum of 6 months for the driver).
- Infanticide where a woman killed her baby of less than 12 months and could show she was suffering from the effects of the birth or breast-feeding. Maximum sentence is 5 years.
 Vikings (8th to 11th centuries)
The Viking culture had no concept of murder. If you killed someone, then it was up to you to pay the family fair compensation (weregild) for the labor lost by the member's death.