Theories of Punishment Why do we punish??
Why do we have laws? Why punish? Assumes laws promote some kind of social good Deterrence: Punishment prevents people from committing crimes in the first place (assumes people will want to follow the rules) Specific: I personally am less likely to commit crime again General: I am discouraged by the example of others Rehabilitation: Punishment should seek to right the wrong, and restore the guilty person to a functioning member of society Retribution—punishment that is considered morally right and fully deserved; the punishment fits the crime; vengeance