Norway had a unique way of handling crime. Criminals were tried, convicted and sentenced just like anywhere else. But then it was left up to the convict to decide if he would actually serve his sentence.

And of course, this does not work. Small wonder that Norway’s reported crime rate is double that of the United States. Police in Oslo are overwhelmed by crime. And a Norwegian newspaper reported that 70% of “Norwegians have no faith that they’ll get any help if someone breaks into their home.”

The problem is that until recently, there was no law that required a criminal to report to prison to fulfill his sentencing. Surprisingly, 80% showed up. Only 20% of the convicted criminals decided not to volunteer for prison time.

Criminals are not very bright people, no matter how many “Ocean’s” pictures George Clooney makes.