Theories of Punishment

Key terms Deterrence Reform retribution Protection The idea that punishments should be of such a nature that it will put people off (deter) committing crimes Reform The idea that punishments should try to change criminals so that they will not commit crimes again. retribution The idea that punishments should make criminals pay for what they have done wrong. Protection Keeping criminals away from society, so people are safe from them.

For society to maintain the laws and treat everyone with justice there must be punishment for those who break the law. There are different theories behind punishment and they are supported and opposed by different people.

There are four main theories of punishment Deterrence Protection Retribution Reform

Deterrence This kind of punishment tries to put people off committing crimes and convince an offender not to commit further crimes.

This works because…… The punishments are so severe that others do not want to experience them. They may be done in public so others become scared of them They are publicised so people are aware of them People will naturally not want to be treated in a humiliating way

Protection This kind of punishment does not try to stop offenders before they break the law, but it does protect society by imprisoning offenders by imprisoning criminals.

This works because………. The punishment removes the offender from society It makes the public feel safer, especially from dangerous criminals. People are aware that the offender is no longer around It restricts the offender so they cannot commit further crime.

Retribution This kind of punishment does not try to stop offenders before they break the law, but it means that the victim feels that the offender is punished properly.

This works because………. The punishments often give something to the victim, for example money. The punishment makes the victim feel that the offender has paid for their crime. The offender may be made to help directly, for example community work for vandalism. Retribution may be done in public so victims can see justice happening.

Reform This kind of punishment tries to change people so that they do not want to commit crimes in the future.

This works because………. It educates them so they realise that breaking the law is not good. It may train them in jobs that will not lead back to crime. The offender will not feel resentful at being punished Rehabilitation of the offender is possible.

Summary Protection Deterrence Retribution Reform This kind of punishment tries to put people off committing crimes and convince an offender not to commit further crimes. Protection This kind of punishment does not try to stop offenders before they break the law, but it does protect society by imprisoning offenders by imprisoning criminals. Retribution This kind of punishment does not try to stop offenders before they break the law, but it means that the victim feels that the offender is punished properly. Reform This kind of punishment tries to change people so that they do not want to commit crimes in the future.