Theories of punishments

Retribution

punishment inflicted on a person who has harmed others and so deserves to be penalized

general deterrence

punishment of criminals that is intended to the general public and there by discourage the commission of offenders

Specific deterrence

punishment inflicted on lawbreakers to discourage them from committing future crimes

incapacitation

depriving a lawbreaker of the ability to commit crimes against society, usually by detaining the individual in prison

selective incapacitation

making the best use of expensive and limited prison space by targeting for incarceration will do the most to reduce crime in society

rehabilitation

the goal of restoring a person convicted of crimes to a constructive place in society through some form of vocational or educational training or therapy

restorative justice

punishment designed to repair the damage done to the victim and community by an offender criminal act