The aims of punishment

There are 4 main aims of punishment:

1. Deterrence
2. Reformation
3. Retribution
4. Protection

The Four Main Aims of Punishment

1. Deterrence

• Purpose: Deterrence is intended to discourage individuals from committing crimes by making the punishment unpleasant. The idea is that the offender is put off from committing crimes in the future.
• How It Works: A punishment is meant to be unpleasant, so that the offender does not want to experience it again. For example, a burglar who gets sent to prison for five years will hopefully find a legal way to obtain money and possessions in the future, rather than returning to crime. Additionally, knowing what the punishment will be can deter others from committing crimes in the first place.

2. Protection

• How It Works: The legal system is in place to protect society. Some criminals are dangerous and need to be removed from society to ensure the safety of others.

• Types of Punishment:
  • Prison: Incarcerating dangerous individuals to prevent them from harming others.
  • Capital Punishment: Executing those who pose a severe threat, thus permanently removing the danger.
  • Curfews/Electronic Tags: Restricting the movement of offenders to prevent them from committing further crimes.

3. Retribution

• Purpose: Retribution is about taking revenge on the offender, ensuring they 'pay' for their actions. It is based on the principle of "getting your own back."
• How It Works: When people break the law, it often causes harm, whether physical or emotional, to others. Retribution means making the offender pay for what they have done, showing support for the victim by demonstrating that the criminal has not gotten away with hurting them.

4. Reformation

• Purpose: Reformation aims to change the offender's behavior and help them reintegrate into society as a law-abiding citizen. The focus is on rehabilitation rather than just punishment.
• How It Works: Reformation involves efforts to change the offender's behavior, helping them to understand the impact of their actions and encouraging them to live a lawful life. This may include educational programs, therapy, and support to address underlying issues such as addiction or poor decision-making.

Society's Role in Punishment

Judicial System: Society sets up rules that must be obeyed, or there will be consequences. Since different people have different views on what is wrong, the judicial system sets tariffs for punishments to guide judges in sentencing. A judge considers various factors before giving a sentence, such as whether the person has offended before, psychological information, and details about their home background.