Sweden: criminal liability for public officials comes into force

Law changes championed by the Moderate-led government took effect on 1 August, expanding criminal official liability (tjänstemannaansvar) — partially restoring a form of liability Sweden abolished in the 1970s — so serious dereliction by officials is prosecutable rather than merely disciplinary.

Post-Post Office scandal, whether officials should face personal legal consequences for serious maladministration is live in Britain — a Nordic state has just legislated it.