2.2 - Discuss the aims of punishment (FINISHED)

Question 1

Deterrence

Answer 1

Putting people off committing the crime again usually because of a fear of punishment (individual - the offender, general - public)

Question 2

Theories for deterrence

Answer 2

• Right realism (rational choice theory - cost-benefit analysis w/severe punishments deterring, situational prevention strategies - CCTV)
• Social Learning Theory (vicarious reinforcements/punishments - witness a role model being punished makes less likely to intimidate)

Question 3

Do deterrents work?

Answer 3

+ Norway (prisons effective - 20% recidivism)
+ Sends message of what would happen if crimes are committed
- Fear of being caught > fear of punishment
- High recidivism
- Long sentences = more exposure to criminal elements

Question 4

Retribution

Answer 4

Revenge (eye for an eye) that ensures justice, fairness & proportionality

Question 5

Theories for retribution

Answer 5

• Right realism (rational choice theory - responsible for their own actions & suffer the outrage of society)
• Functionalism (boundary maintenance - reminder of right & wrong)

Question 6

Does retribution work?

Answer 6

+ Punishments can be proportionate to the crime (capital punishments)
+ Need for punishment
- Too simplistic
- Ignores mitigating factors
- Dehumanising

Question 7

Rehabilitation

Answer 7

Opportunities to change the offender’s behaviour to prevent future crime/reformation

Question 8

Theories for rehabilitation

Answer 8

Individualistic (cognitive - teach correct way of thinking, operant conditioning - token economies offer behaviour modification)

Question 9

Does rehabilitation work?

Answer 9

+ 1970s car scheme (4/50 reoffended)
+ Substance treatment made positive changes
- Costs
- Cannot always fix problems caused by childhood

Question 10

Reparation

Answer 10

Compensating the victim or making amends to society (inc. restorative justice)

Question 11

Theories of reparation

Answer 11

• Labelling theory (restorative justice helps reintegration to society - show remorse)
• Functionalism (essential for smooth function of society)

Question 12

Does reparation work?

Answer 12

+ Jacob Dunne (feels restorative justice helped to change his ways and not re-offend)
- Sexual & domestic violence cases would not want to do restorative justice
- Lenient

Question 13

Public protection

Answer 13

Keeping society safe from dangerous individuals through incapacitation

Question 14

Theories of public protection

Answer 14

• Biological (atavism - cannot be changed & favoured exile)
• Right realism (persistent offenders are responsible for majority so locking them away will reduce crime)

Question 15

Does public protection work?

Answer 15

+ Imprisonment prevents harm
- Overcrowding issues due to longer sentencing
- Does not aim to change the offender, rather manage the risk