3-1 Journal: What Do You Think?
Jacob Cooper
Southern New Hampshire University
The four main purposes of punishment are deterrence, incapacitation,
retribution, and rehabilitation. In my view, rehabilitation stands out as the
most important of these. While deterrence may play a role, crime is an
enduring reality, and the most effective way to address it is through
rehabilitation. This approach helps individuals understand their actions,
recognize the consequences of their crimes, and find pathways to change
their lives.
Following rehabilitation, I believe retribution is also significant. When
punishment is proportional to the crime, it can foster a deeper understanding
of the offense's severity. This sense of fairness is crucial for both the offender
and the community, as it reinforces the idea that justice is being served.
Incapacitation comes next in my ranking. For first-time offenders, avoiding
prison can be vital. Many individuals feel that once they serve time,
opportunities for rehabilitation diminish, making it harder for them to
reintegrate into society. Providing support rather than incarceration can
encourage positive changes and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
Lastly, I see deterrence as the least effective purpose of punishment. While
the fear of consequences may influence some, it cannot eliminate crime
entirely.
When it comes to capital punishment, I believe it aligns most closely with the
purposes of deterrence and retribution. The notion of facing death row can
deter individuals from committing heinous crimes. Additionally, in cases such
as rape or child trafficking, the call for capital punishment can be justified as
a means of delivering retribution for particularly egregious offenses.
In summary, while all four purposes of punishment have their place,
rehabilitation remains paramount. It provides individuals with the tools to
change, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
Rehabilitation:
McNeill, F. (2006). "A Desistance Paradigm for Offender Management."
Criminal Justice Matters, 65(1), 21-23.
Lipsey, M. W., & Cullen, F. T. (2007). "The Effectiveness of Correctional
Rehabilitation: A Review of the Evidence." Annual Review of Law and
Social Science, 3, 297-320.
Retribution:
von Hirsch, A. (1976). Doing Justice: The Choice of Punishments. Hill
and Wang.
Franklin E. Zimring (2003). "The Contradictions of American Capital
Punishment." Oxford University Press.
Incapacitation:
Tonry, M. (1996). "Sentencing Matters." Oxford University Press.
Petersilia, J. (2003). "When Prisoners Return to the Community:
Political, Economic, and Social Consequences." Sentencing &
Corrections: Issues for the 21st Century, 1-6.
