The four philosophies of the purpose of corrections are retribution, deterrence, incapacitation and rehabilitation. In this discussion I am going to focus on retribution and rehabilitation
Retribution (deserved punishment) - is punishment inflicted on a person who has infringed on the rights of others and so deserves to be penalized. The severity of the sanction should fit the seriousness of the crime (Todd R. Clear, George F. Cole, Michael D. Reisig, 2013). In other words, retribution is the rationale for punishment that expresses society’s need for revenge (Davis, 2002).
Retribution was first used as a philosophy for justice, and it is difficult to know exactly when retribution was first used. The Bible mentions this in the story of Adam and Eve, and how they were banished from the Garden of Eden because they violated God’s rules. It seems that retribution is a concept used in several religions. In 451-450 BCE, the Law of Twelve Tables was drafted by a committee of Roman judges. These laws put an end to private justice through “blood feuds,” by confirming compensation as the accepted method of justice in ancient Rome. It is said that the Twelve Tables specified the beginning of state-involved justice (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2015). …show more content…
The “eye for an eye” retribution system is argued to be a primitive and outdated system. It is my belief that the system of retribution is no different than the idea of vengeance (revenge). Revenge is illogical, and tends to make a situation even worse. Revenge is simply retribution by another name! Is sentencing a person to death really effective? Or is it a waste of resources? The death penalty does not make a situation any better, killing someone is following an old-fashioned philosophy. Retribution, except as a deterrent, does society no good (Dickens,
Retribution (deserved punishment) - is punishment inflicted on a person who has infringed on the rights of others and so deserves to be penalized. The severity of the sanction should fit the seriousness of the crime (Todd R. Clear, George F. Cole, Michael D. Reisig, 2013). In other words, retribution is the rationale for punishment that expresses society’s need for revenge (Davis, 2002).
Retribution was first used as a philosophy for justice, and it is difficult to know exactly when retribution was first used. The Bible mentions this in the story of Adam and Eve, and how they were banished from the Garden of Eden because they violated God’s rules. It seems that retribution is a concept used in several religions. In 451-450 BCE, the Law of Twelve Tables was drafted by a committee of Roman judges. These laws put an end to private justice through “blood feuds,” by confirming compensation as the accepted method of justice in ancient Rome. It is said that the Twelve Tables specified the beginning of state-involved justice (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2015). …show more content…
The “eye for an eye” retribution system is argued to be a primitive and outdated system. It is my belief that the system of retribution is no different than the idea of vengeance (revenge). Revenge is illogical, and tends to make a situation even worse. Revenge is simply retribution by another name! Is sentencing a person to death really effective? Or is it a waste of resources? The death penalty does not make a situation any better, killing someone is following an old-fashioned philosophy. Retribution, except as a deterrent, does society no good (Dickens,