Justification Of Punishment

Question 1

What are the two main theories of justifying punishment?

Answer 1

Retributivist and utilitarian

Question 2

What is the basic premise of retributivism?

Answer 2

Wrongdoers should be punished because they are morally blameworthy

Question 3

How does retributivism see the level of punishment severity?

Answer 3

Severity of punishment should be proportional to the degree of wrongdoing

Question 4

What are the 2 major themes of retributivism?

Answer 4

Moral guilt/blameworthiness and violation of social norms

Question 5

What is the basic premise of utilitarianism?

Answer 5

Punishment is used to promote societal happiness and is only justified if it accomplishes enough social good to outweigh its harm

Question 6

How does a utilitarian see the severity of punishment?

Answer 6

Severity of punishment should be determined by marginal usefulness in society

Question 7

What are the general benefits of punishment?

Answer 7

Deterrence (main), norm reinforcement, safety through incapacitation, reformation, vengeance