Criminology Term: Retributive
In criminology, 'retributive' pertains to a philosophy of justice and punishment that focuses on the concept of retribution, or the idea that punishment should be administered as a form of moral payback for an individual's criminal actions.
This approach to justice is grounded in the belief that those who commit crimes should experience a level of suffering or deprivation proportional to the harm they have caused to others or to society. It is often associated with the principle of 'an eye for an eye.'
Retributive justice contrasts with other penal philosophies, such as rehabilitation or deterrence, which emphasize reforming offenders or preventing future crimes. Advocates of retributive justice argue that it serves as a moral response to wrongdoing, reinforcing social norms and upholding the principles of just deserts.
In practice, retributive justice may manifest in the form of punitive sentences, including imprisonment or the application of severe penalties, that are intended to punish offenders rather than to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior.
Critics of this approach raise concerns about its effectiveness in reducing recidivism and argue that it may perpetuate cycles of violence and punishment. As such, the concept of retributive justice remains a topic of debate within the field of criminology and criminal justice.
In summary, 'retributive' in criminology refers to a philosophy of justice and punishment that centers on the idea of moral payback or retribution for criminal acts. This approach is grounded in the belief that those who commit crimes should experience punishment proportional to their wrongdoing.
The concept is often debated, as it contrasts with other penal philosophies that focus on rehabilitation and deterrence as means of addressing criminal behavior.
