Theories of Punishment Flashcards
Retributivism
what is it?
Looking back
Retributivism–it is focused on inflicting punishment for wrongs that have been committed
Punish those who are blameworthy
Retribution
specific theory rule
Punishes on the basis of proportionality; the severity of the punishment is proportional to the level of the harm done to society; No excessive punishment or undeserved punishment
Utilitarianism
what is it?
Looks forward
Maximize social welfare (make people happy);
People are punished for the gain of society (to make people in society feel safer
Utilitarianism
Rehabilitation theory
Imposing punishment enables the wrongdoer to be treated and rehabilitated into a law abiding citizen; ready for re-entry into society
Aims to correct bad behavior and prevent future crime
Suggests crime is an individual behavior
Does not express blame on individual
Utlilitarianism
Deterrence theory
Imposing punishment may cause others or that person to not do the same wrong again
Utlilitarianism
Deterrence theory
2 types
GENERAL: Punish person to send message to others
SPECIFIC: Punish person to deter them from committing the same or similar crimes again
Utilitarianism
Incapacitation theory
(incarcarate!)
Incapacitation takes away the person’s liberty and separates them from society so as to prevent them from doing further harm
