Purpose of sanctions Flashcards
What are each of the five purposes?
Deterrence: To discourage the offender and others from committing the same crime again by imposing penalties like fines or imprisonment.
Punishment: To make the offender suffer consequences for their crime, such as imprisonment, community service, or fines.
Protection: To protect the community by removing or restricting offenders, like sending them to prison or restricting their activities.
Rehabilitation: To help the offender change their behavior and reintegrate into society through programs like counseling or education.
Denunciation: To show society’s disapproval of the crime, signaling that the behavior is unacceptable.
How do we know if our purposes are working?
Recidivism rates: If fewer offenders commit crimes again after sanctions, it shows rehabilitation and deterrence are working.
Crime rates: A reduction in overall crime can indicate that sanctions are effectively protecting the community and deterring others.
Public confidence: Surveys and community feedback on the justice system’s fairness and effectiveness can help assess whether sanctions meet societal expectations.
Success of rehabilitation programs: Tracking how well offenders reintegrate into society after completing rehabilitation programs helps measure their impact.
What is a Sanction
A sanction is a penalty or punishment given to someone who has broken the law. It can include things like fines, community service, or imprisonment. The purpose is to enforce the law and prevent future crimes.