Identify and define two of the four generally recognized philosophical underpinnings in corrections. Provide an example of a punishment that supports each philosophical underpinning.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The four generally recognized goals are retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation. Retribution is defined as punishments that are proportionate to the seriousness of the crime committed. An example of punishment that fits this goal is capital punishment for someone who commits murder. Incapacitation is defined as punishment that deprives offenders of their liberty and removes them from society with the intent of ensuring that society cannot be further victimized by these offenders during their term of incarceration. An example of incapacitation is a period of incarceration within a correctional facility. Deterrence is defined as the prevention of crime by the threat of punishment. An example of a punishment that fits this goal isthree-strikes laws. A would-be offender is hopefully deterred from committing future offenses due to a threat of a second or third strike, which results in enhanced penalties. Rehabilitation is defined as practices that are aimed solely at the recovery of the offender, regardless of the crime that was committed. An example of punishment that supports this goal is probation with intensive drug therapy, employment assistance, and counseling.