Aim of punishment

• There’s 6 main aims of punishment:

  • retribution
  • reparation
  • reformation
  • protection
  • justice/vindication
  • deterrence
• Retribution :

  A form of revenge on behalf of those who were wronged or subject to attack
• Reparation :

  • criminal should have the right to ‘pay’ for the wrong they have done
  • a way to show they’re sorry + ‘repair’ the damage done
• Reformation :

  • trying to ensure criminal is helped to change their approach and way of life
• Protection :

  • making sure that society is kept free from recurring crime
  • criminals are also in need of protection
• Justice/vindication :

  • To show the law + authority are of supreme importance
• Deterrence :

  • To try + deter people from committing crimes , because they know the punishment
• Catholics believe if people sin or commit crime then justice must follow
• Jesus also taught the importance of forgiveness and compassion
• many catholics support punishment practices that lead to forgiveness e.g. restorative practice