AC2.2 - Discuss the aims of punishment

Question 1

What are the aims of sentencing?

Answer 1

To Punish offenders
To reduce crime
To rehabilitate offenders
To protect the public
To reperate victims when needed

Question 2

What are the aims of punishment?

Answer 2

Deterrence
Rehabilitation
Reparation
Retribution
Public protection

Question 3

Aims of deterrence

Answer 3

Individual deterrence aims to ensure offender does not re-offend.
- Recidivism rate suggests offenders are not deterred as re-offending rate is almost 50% within a year of release.
EXAMPLE: suspended sentence
General deterrence aims to prevent potential offenders from committing crimes.

Question 4

Aims of rehabilitation

Answer 4

To reform offenders behaviour and reintroduce them to society.
- Presumes criminal behaviour is due to free will and choice and therefore means behaviour can be altered.
EXAMPLES: community sentences and probation orders

Question 5

Aims of reparation

Answer 5

To ensure offenders ‘pay back’.
- Includes being ordered to give a sum of money to victim and completing unpaid work for community
- Restorative Justice Scheme means offenders and victims can meet
EXAMPLES: written apologies, repairing any damage, explain the crime face to face to victim.

Question 6

Aims of retribution

Answer 6

To punish the offender.
- Does not wish to alter future behaviour, but instead inflict punishment for the crime
- Ensures adequate punishment is made to reach good level of justice for victim
- Contains element of revenge

Question 7

Aims of public protection

Answer 7

To protect the public from dangerous criminals.
- Prison helps to meet aims as they are not within society
EXAMPLES: long prison sentences, electric tagging