Answer:
Retribution is the belief that punishment is necessary to balance the scales of justice after a crime has been committed. In this perspective, the offender is held responsible for their actions and must pay a penalty that is proportional to the harm they caused. Policies that support retribution include mandatory minimum sentences, three-strikes laws, and the death penalty.
Incapacitation entails removing offenders from society to prevent them from committing further crimes. The goal of this perspective is to protect society from dangerous individuals. Policies that support incapacitation include lengthy prison sentences, life without parole, and mandatory detention for certain offenses.
Deterrence seeks to prevent crime by creating a fear of punishment in potential offenders. This perspective assumes that people will be less likely to commit a crime if they know that they will face harsh consequences. Policies that support deterrence include mandatory sentencing laws, the use of the death penalty, and “tough on crime” rhetoric.
Rehabilitation focuses on the idea that offenders can change their behavior and become law-abiding citizens. This perspective emphasizes education, job training, and mental health treatment to help offenders become productive members of society. Policies that support rehabilitation include drug treatment programs, job training programs, and mental health counseling.
I support the rehabilitation perspective. I believe that offenders need the skills and resources to become productive members of society. This approach benefits the individual and society by reducing the likelihood of recidivism. Rehabilitation policies can also be more cost-effective than other perspectives, as they may prevent future crimes and the costs associated with imprisonment.
In conclusion, these perspectives offers different approaches to the purpose of the criminal justice system. While policies that support retribution, incapacitation, and deterrence may have short-term benefits, rehabilitation policies could create long-lasting positive changes. Ultimately, the best approach may be a combination of all four perspectives tailored to the individual needs of each offender.
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