Retribution/Revenge
Society and the victims of a crime deserve to take revenge on the criminal. In the Old Testament Moses laid down the principle of “eye for eye, tooth for tooth”. Some Christians support this today. Others disagree and point that Jesus taught forgiveness
Deterrence
A sentence may be a deterrent to a criminal repeating the same offence. Others may also be deterred from commiting crime when they see what happens to those who offend
Protection
Society must be protected from dangerous criminals. They lose their freedom so others do not have to worry about being in danger from them
Reform/Rehabilitation
Aims to reform the criminal so they learn to be a low-abiding member of society. Many Christians believe this is important because Jesus offered forgiveness and hope to those who had offered in his day
Vindication
People want to see that law are upheld. Those who break them should be punished to show that society is determined to uphold justice
Reparation
The criminal should make good the damage and hurt they have caused. They might do community service where they carry out useful tasks for society, repay money they have stolen or even apologise to their victim