Cjs 220 Punishment Philosophy Assignement

Punishment Philosophy

Charline Hoyer

CJS 220

Axia University

October 16, 2011

Ann Meek

Punishment Philosophy

There are normally four punishment philosophies. They are deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation and retribution. Some believe that there is a fifth punishment philosophy and that is restoration. (Meyer & Grant, 2003). Each of the philosophies goal is to prevent crime, but they take different approaches.

Deterrence is to try to convince people not to commit crimes or violate laws. When a person decides not to do something like parking in a handicapped space because they will be fined for breaking the law, this is called deterrence. Officers can decide to write a warning instead of taking formal actions like having the offender appear in court. (Meyer & Grant, 2003) There are two types of deterrence, they are general and specific. Specific deterrence or individual deterrence is when an offender decides by himself or herself not commit future crimes. General deterrence is a person decides not to commit a crime, because others were punished for similar issues and do not want to deal with the ramifications.

Rehabilitation is when the criminal justice system tries to end criminal behavior by “curing” offenders of breaking the law. (Meyer & grant, 2003) Crime occurs when a sick person commits a crime. The person could be a physical illness, psychological disorders, addition or social disorders. Some offenders cannot be cured and must have continuous confinement. The offenders that the system deems rehabilitated are paroled and have supervision. (Meyer & Grant, 2003) Some offenders that are paroled still go out and commit a crime.

Incapacitation involves physically restraining offenders from victimizing others. (Meyer & Grant, 2003) Incapacitation also means to prevent crimes and isolating offenders from the rest of society, this will help them from committing further crimes. When offenders are...