A Level Law Practice Exam

What is the primary aim of punishment/retribution?

1. To rehabilitate the offender

2. To prevent future crime by incapacitation

3. To ensure offenders receive a penalty proportional to their crime

4. To provide financial compensation for victims

The correct answer is: To ensure offenders receive a penalty proportional to their crime

The primary aim of punishment and retribution is to ensure that offenders receive a penalty that is proportional to the nature and severity of their crime. This concept is rooted in the idea of moral responsibility, asserting that individuals who commit wrongful acts should face consequences that reflect the seriousness of their actions. This approach upholds the belief that justice must be served by delivering appropriate penalties, which can serve as a moral statement on the value of social norms and laws. Retribution emphasizes that punishment is a necessary response to wrongdoing, distinguishing it from other aims of sentencing. While rehabilitation focuses on reforming the offender and preventing future crimes through behavior change, and incapacitation aims to prevent crime by removing offenders from society, these goals are not the core focus of retributive justice. Furthermore, while providing financial compensation for victims addresses the harm done, it does not encapsulate the essence of retribution, which is primarily concerned with the offender's moral culpability and administering justice. Therefore, ensuring that penalties are proportional to the crime committed is central to the philosophy of punishment and retribution.