purposes of punishment Flashcards
Purposes of punishment
Retribution
Deterrence
Reformation
Protection
Benefit of retribution
Release of anger
Deterrent values - less likely to graffiti if you have to spend hours cleaning
Shows victim receive payback
Drawbacks of retribution
When does the cycle end?
Criminals could’ve been wrongfully convicted
Does it make the victim feel better?
Benefit of deterrence
People avoid wrong due to consequences
Prevents crime before it’s committed
Worlds safer due to lower crime rates
Drawback of deterrence
Unable to prove it works as there’s no opposing evidence
Offenders don’t consider consequences
Is it ok for society to use some as examples?
Benefit of reformation
Protects society
Makes people less vengeful and more grateful
Lowers reoffending
Drawbacks of reformation
Males prison too soft
Expensive
Not guaranteed
Protection benefits
Offender is locked up - can’t reoffend
Hopefully will be reformed or deterred protecting society
protection drawbacks
offender released eventually - no longer safe
prisoners teach eachother bad ways
prison time = anger and resent
christian viewpoint on retribution
“eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” book of exodus justifies punishment however new testament states “if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” teaching forgiveness
christian view on reform
support- everyone can change for the better
christian view on protection
strong should protect weak
we also need to protect criminals from themselves
christian view on deterrence
dont believe in revenge
forgiveness
god forgives everyone
utilitarian view on retribution
creates more suffering for criminal and families
taking away breadwinner
cant reform
utilitarian view of reform
support if creates positive outcome as it creates safety and happiness
