1. A look at how and why we punish today
Crime and Punishment
A look at how and why we punish today

2. The Nature of Punishment
Learning Objective:
To know the four theories of punishment
To consider what should be achieved by
punishment

3. Can you suggest any crimes?
Arson
Money Laundering
Prostitution
Child abuse
Assault
Stalking
Drug dealing
Credit/debit card fraud
Indecent exposure
Robbery
Tax Evasion
Rape
Why do you think they are crimes?

4. What would stop you from breaking the law?

5. How do we punish?
If society has laws, it must also have punishments for those who break the laws.
The main aim of punishment is to try to make sure everyone obeys the law.
However there are several other theories about what punishment should do…

6. 4 Theories of Punishment
Retribution
Deterrence
Reform
Protection

7. Complete this table in your book using the information to follow…
Theory
Pro’s
Con’s
Effective at reducing crime?
Who is being thought of in each – the offender? The victim? Society?
Retribution
Deterrence
Reform
Protection

8. Retribution: The idea that punishments should make criminals pay for what they have done.
Many people think that the punishment should make criminals pay for their crime in proportion to the severity of the crime they have committed.
In the past such retributive punishments would have killed those who committed murder and taken the eyes out of those who blinded someone.
Nowadays, those who believe in retribution think that criminals should suffer for what they have done wrong.

9. Deterrence: The idea that punishments should be of such a nature that they will put people off committing crimes
Many people think that punishment should be very serve to deter people from committing crimes.
For example, if someone knows they will have their hand cut off if they are caught stealing; then they will not steal; if people know they will be executed if they are caught murdering, they will not murder.

10. Reform: The idea that punishments should try to change criminals so they will not commit crimes again
Many people think that punishment should be aimed at reforming the criminals so that they become honest law-abiding citizens who will not commit crimes again.
Reformative punishments often involve giving criminals education and qualifications so that they do not feel the need to be a criminal

11. Protection: The idea that the general public should be kept safe
Many people feel that society must be protected from violent people or persistent burglars, so punishments should put such criminals in prison where they are no longer a danger to society.

12. Look at your completed table…
How do you think today’s society deals with punishment? Can you give any examples?
Most forms of punishment are a mixture of theories. For example, imprisonment can deter, protect, inflict retribution and give reformation through education, training and counselling.

13. “We should understand a little less and condemn a little more”
“We should understand a little less and condemn a little more”. Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion, showing that you have thought about another point of view.
Although we haven’t looked at religious responses, take an educated guess at what you think they might believe.