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Saffron
31/08/2025
Criminology
AC 2.2: Discuss the aims of punishment
Retribution and Rehabilitation
This page delves into two primary aims of punishment: retribution and rehabilitation.
Retribution is the concept of punishing offenders for their actions. It operates on the principle that the punishment should fit the crime, often using a tariff system with fixed sentences for specific offenses.
Example: Increasing the sentence for grievous bodily harm from 5 to 7 years if it was racially motivated is an example of retribution expressing moral outrage.
Vocabulary: Tariff system - A fixed scale of punishments corresponding to specific crimes.
Retribution is linked to Right Realism and functionalism theories but faces criticism for potentially denying offenders a second chance.
Rehabilitation, on the other hand, focuses on reforming offenders to prevent reoffending. It employs various programs such as education, training, anger management, and drug treatment.
Definition: Rehabilitation in criminal justice refers to the process of helping offenders overcome the issues that led to their criminal behavior and successfully reintegrate into society.
Rehabilitation is supported by theories like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Skinner's operant learning. However, it faces criticism from right realists who argue that such programs may not effectively prevent reoffending.
Highlight: The contrast between retribution and rehabilitation highlights the ongoing debate in criminal justice between punitive measures and reformative approaches.
Deterrence and Public Protection
This page explores deterrence and public protection as aims of punishment in criminal justice.
Deterrence operates on two levels: individual deterrence, aimed at preventing specific offenders from reoffending, and general deterrence, intended to discourage the entire society from committing crimes.
Example: Tough sentencing for repeat offenders is an example of individual deterrence, while making an example of individual offenders serves as general deterrence.
Vocabulary: General deterrence - The use of punishment as a threat to deter people from committing crime.
The effectiveness of deterrence is often debated, with critics pointing out high reoffending rates as evidence of its limitations.
Public protection, primarily through incapacitation, aims to safeguard society by removing offenders' opportunities to commit further crimes.
Definition: Incapacitation in criminal justice refers to the restriction of an offender's ability to commit further crimes, typically through imprisonment or other forms of confinement.
Incapacitation policies range from imprisonment to more extreme measures like execution or chemical castration for certain offenders. While supported by biological theories and Right Realism, critics argue that incapacitation merely contains the problem without addressing the root causes of crime.
Highlight: The balance between deterrence and public protection reflects the criminal justice system's dual focus on preventing future crimes and managing current offenders.
Reparation in Criminal Justice
This page focuses on reparation as an aim of punishment in criminal justice.
Reparation involves offenders making amends for their crimes, either to the victim specifically or to society as a whole. It aims to address both material and social harm caused by criminal actions.
Definition: Reparation in criminal justice refers to actions taken by offenders to repair the harm caused by their crimes, either through material compensation or social reconciliation.
Material reparation often involves financial compensation or unpaid work, such as Community Payback schemes. Social reparation, on the other hand, may involve restorative justice practices.
Example: Restorative justice programs where offenders meet with victims to understand the impact of their actions and express remorse are examples of social reparation.
Reparation is supported by theories such as labelling theory and functionalism, which view it as a means of reintegrating offenders and restoring social order.
Highlight: Reparation represents a shift towards a more rehabilitative and victim-centered approach in criminal justice, focusing on healing and restoration rather than purely punitive measures.
However, critics argue that reparation may not be suitable for all types of crimes, particularly violent or sexual offenses, and some contend that it may be too lenient on offenders.
Quote: "Reparation may not work for violent/sexual crimes, and some argue this method lets offenders off lightly."
This debate underscores the ongoing challenge in criminal justice of balancing punishment, rehabilitation, and victim support.
Aims of Punishment in Criminal Justice
This page introduces the concept of the aims of punishment in the criminal justice system. It sets the stage for a detailed discussion of the various purposes that punishment serves in society and within the legal framework.
Highlight: The aims of punishment are crucial components of the criminal justice system, each serving a specific purpose in addressing crime and its consequences.
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Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Learn About the 6 Aims of Punishment in Criminology
The 6 aims of punishmentin criminal justice are retribution, rehabilitation, deterrence, public protection, reparation, and incapacitation. These aims serve various purposes within the justice system, from punishing offenders to protecting society and reforming criminals. Each aim has its own... Show more
Retribution and Rehabilitation
This page delves into two primary aims of punishment: retribution and rehabilitation.
Retribution is the concept of punishing offenders for their actions. It operates on the principle that the punishment should fit the crime, often using a tariff system with fixed sentences for specific offenses.
Example: Increasing the sentence for grievous bodily harm from 5 to 7 years if it was racially motivated is an example of retribution expressing moral outrage.
Vocabulary: Tariff system - A fixed scale of punishments corresponding to specific crimes.
Retribution is linked to Right Realism and functionalism theories but faces criticism for potentially denying offenders a second chance.
Rehabilitation, on the other hand, focuses on reforming offenders to prevent reoffending. It employs various programs such as education, training, anger management, and drug treatment.
Definition: Rehabilitation in criminal justice refers to the process of helping offenders overcome the issues that led to their criminal behavior and successfully reintegrate into society.
Rehabilitation is supported by theories like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Skinner's operant learning. However, it faces criticism from right realists who argue that such programs may not effectively prevent reoffending.
Highlight: The contrast between retribution and rehabilitation highlights the ongoing debate in criminal justice between punitive measures and reformative approaches.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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Deterrence and Public Protection
This page explores deterrence and public protection as aims of punishment in criminal justice.
Deterrence operates on two levels: individual deterrence, aimed at preventing specific offenders from reoffending, and general deterrence, intended to discourage the entire society from committing crimes.
Example: Tough sentencing for repeat offenders is an example of individual deterrence, while making an example of individual offenders serves as general deterrence.
Vocabulary: General deterrence - The use of punishment as a threat to deter people from committing crime.
The effectiveness of deterrence is often debated, with critics pointing out high reoffending rates as evidence of its limitations.
Public protection, primarily through incapacitation, aims to safeguard society by removing offenders' opportunities to commit further crimes.
Definition: Incapacitation in criminal justice refers to the restriction of an offender's ability to commit further crimes, typically through imprisonment or other forms of confinement.
Incapacitation policies range from imprisonment to more extreme measures like execution or chemical castration for certain offenders. While supported by biological theories and Right Realism, critics argue that incapacitation merely contains the problem without addressing the root causes of crime.
Highlight: The balance between deterrence and public protection reflects the criminal justice system's dual focus on preventing future crimes and managing current offenders.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Reparation in Criminal Justice
This page focuses on reparation as an aim of punishment in criminal justice.
Reparation involves offenders making amends for their crimes, either to the victim specifically or to society as a whole. It aims to address both material and social harm caused by criminal actions.
Definition: Reparation in criminal justice refers to actions taken by offenders to repair the harm caused by their crimes, either through material compensation or social reconciliation.
Material reparation often involves financial compensation or unpaid work, such as Community Payback schemes. Social reparation, on the other hand, may involve restorative justice practices.
Example: Restorative justice programs where offenders meet with victims to understand the impact of their actions and express remorse are examples of social reparation.
Reparation is supported by theories such as labelling theory and functionalism, which view it as a means of reintegrating offenders and restoring social order.
Highlight: Reparation represents a shift towards a more rehabilitative and victim-centered approach in criminal justice, focusing on healing and restoration rather than purely punitive measures.
However, critics argue that reparation may not be suitable for all types of crimes, particularly violent or sexual offenses, and some contend that it may be too lenient on offenders.
Quote: "Reparation may not work for violent/sexual crimes, and some argue this method lets offenders off lightly."
This debate underscores the ongoing challenge in criminal justice of balancing punishment, rehabilitation, and victim support.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Aims of Punishment in Criminal Justice
This page introduces the concept of the aims of punishment in the criminal justice system. It sets the stage for a detailed discussion of the various purposes that punishment serves in society and within the legal framework.
Highlight: The aims of punishment are crucial components of the criminal justice system, each serving a specific purpose in addressing crime and its consequences.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user