Justifications of Punishment

Abstract

<p>The thesis examines the various justifications for punishment, utilitarian, deterrent, retributive, corrective and expressive. In turn, each of these is considered as the sole justification for the practice. It is argued that none of these are adequ6te, each theory having consequences that are morally or politically unacceptable. The possibility of a non-punitive system is also,briefly considered but lacking sufficient knowledge of any alternative means this cannot be regarded as a serious possibility. It is argued that it is very unlikely to become so.</p> <p>The final chapters of the thesis examine a number of integrative or compromising theories that present dual justifications of punishment. These acknowledge the claims of more than one of the various justifications discussed initially and attempt to reconcile the different aims within a single framework. It is hoped that the arguments of the earlier chapters demonstrate that some such integrative account must be offered. The author concludes by briefly developing a dual justification that balances the claims of protection to members of society and the expression of society's condemnation through punitive sanctions.</p>