Four Goals Of Punishment

There are four purposes or goals of punishment in which a judge may consider when imposing a sentence on a convicted person. The four purposes or goals of punishment are Retribution, Deterrence, Incapacitation, and Rehabilitation. The imposing judge may consider on goal or a combination of goals when sentencing a convicted person.
Retribution 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. (Clear, 2013) This is where the convicted cannot commit further crimes due to incarceration. This is a punishment where the victim may inflict harm in return for the illegal act committed against the victim. Punishments are where the judge will set a monetary fine, and require the convicted to make restitution or face more severe punishments. An example …show more content…
(Clear, 2013) Forms of vocational or educational training or therapy is an attempt to make the convicted a better citizen after completion. Frequently used forms of this are rehabilitation centers used to treat individuals, Alcohol Anonymous Classes maybe used as a form of therapy for an individual convicted of a DUI, or a Driver’s training program to rehabilitate ones driving skills. These types of punishments are often seen with public figures, and those with a higher social status.
Of the four types of punishments I believe the rehabilitation would be the most effective. I say this because it allows for the convicted to be returned to society as a productive member. This allows for tax payers to spend less to fund prisons, and educates the convicted who then later on may educate another. This is not to say that other forms of punishment may not be used or be more effective but that has to be decided by the presiding judge and/or