Robert Morris is a convicted murderer housed in a state prison. Since his conviction ten years ago, he has been transferred three different times. Each time he gets transferred, he must learn both the formal and informal rules of the new prison. One of his observations is that each prison seems to focus on a different goal of punishment. His first prison, New York State Prison (NYSP), provided Robert with the opportunity to finish his GED and take college courses as well as participate in many different programs, including anger management classes and substance abuse programs. The second prison, East New York Penitentiary (ENYP), did not provide Robert the opportunity to participate in any of the programs offered at NYSP. In this prison, Robert did little more than sit in his cell. He

Question

felt that he was simply being warehoused in the prison with no opportunities for change. Eventually, Robert was moved across the state to West New York Penitentiary (WNYP), where once again, the focus of the prison changed. The corrections officers and administration at WNYP seemed to be focused on making the inmates' time in prison as difficult as it could be. The conditions were harsh and often unsanitary, and the corrections officers often verbally abused the inmates. WNYP employees found pride in trying to prevent the inmates' return to prison by making the conditions unbearable. Finally, Robert is now at Central New York Penitentiary (CNYP), where he is currently housed. At CNYP, there is a significant focus on the victims of crime, and inmates must participate in victim awareness classes. The employees at CNYP often focus on making it clear to the inmates that they are in prison because they deserve to be there, based on the harm that they caused to the victim and the victim's family. Robert's last prison, CNYP, was likely focused on the ________ goal of sentencing.

A. deterrence
B. rehabilitation
C. retribution
D. incapacitation

Answer 1

Answer: C