The exhibit Young offenders focuses on people who were registered in the criminal albums. Norwegian police began photographing criminals in 1864. In the beginning they only did so with the most notorious or dangerous criminals, but already in 1866 we can see a more systematic approach with prisoners and those arrested in Christiania (Oslo).

The exhibit can be found on the first floor of the old military hospital, in two rooms on the north side of the building. They can be reached with either set of stairs in the building.

The Museum of Justice has around 10 000 criminal photographs in its collection, most of which have been made available on Digital Museum.

There is one crime that is most commonly found in the albums – theft. The most common type of criminal was a poor man from the working class sentenced to a few months in prison for smaller thefts, often for the third, fourth or fifth time. In the 19th century the criminal age of responsibility was 10 years. The albums therefore have many young offenders.

During the 19th century there was a growing problem of children committing theft. Two punishments for children between 10 and 15 years old were implemented: strikes with birch sticks on “the part of the body were children are generally punished”, and prison on water and bread.

In the penal code of 1902 the criminal age was set to 14 years old. in 1987 it was increased to 15. The minimal age was instituted because the government realised that children and young people did not understand the consequences of their actions. Criminal acts committed by children under 15 years of age are followed up by child welfare services.