The retributive theory of punishment follows that punishment is used as a means of retributive justice. It is intended to rebalance any unjust advantage gained by the offender by ensuring that the offender suffers a loss. It is viewed as a way of getting even with the offender. The suffering of the offender does not have any restorative benefits to the victim but it is a desired goal. Offenders are punished because they deserve to be punished. Crime offsets societal balance and punishment restores this balance. The view is that human beings have free will and capable of making rational decisions. An individual who makes a rational decision to upset the balance of society must be punished (Mishra, 2016).
The deterrence theory of punishment justifies punishment as a necessary measure to prevent people from committing crimes. It deters previous offenders and those who have not committed a crime and are contemplating committing crimes. The punishment should be sufficient so that people choose not to commit the crime rather than being punished. Laws are intended to maximise happiness in the society.
…show more content…
This theory views punishment as a measure to deter the offender and others from committing crime. In this case, the recommendation is aimed at discouraging others from using lulu powder against other Hartopians. Omnicron is not remorseful about the incident and the recommended plea bargain shows this. Because punishment is intended to deter the offender from re offending, it is material that the offender acknowledges the crime and regrets it commission. A remorseful offender is not likely to reoffend because of the fear of punishment (Greenawalt, 1983). Omnicron does not acknowledge that he committed a crime and the recommended sentence is sufficient so that the offender chooses not to commit the