NCJ Number
127308
Journal
Journal of Offender Counseling, Services and Rehabilitation Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: (Spring 1984) Pages: 63-74
Date Published
1984
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper raises complex issues associated with punishment and related penal theories. It focuses in particular on justification and punishment allocation.
Abstract
Topics addressed include objectives of punishment and their underlying issues such as values, assigned priorities, and policies formulated. Contributing to the punishment dilemma are certain features of the crime-criminal profile and criminal justice system such as variability of criminal law, strict liability, criminal victimization and the dark figure of crime, and conviction rates. The remainder of the paper presents observations about the retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation and the integrative perspective theories of punishment. The authors contend that the development of a viable theory of punishment needs to respect human autonomy, particularly the ability to direct one's life and to be responsible for choices made. 12 notes (Author abstract modified)