The traditional goals of sentencing are retribution, deterrence, incapacitation and rehabilitation (Stinchcomb, 2011). A more contemporary goal of criminal sanctions is restorative and community justice (Stinchcomb, 2011). Retribution is founded on the principle that offenders should receive their ‘just desserts’. However, the penalty must be proportionate to the offence committed (Welch, 2004, p.83)
Deterrence aims to reduce criminal offending. General deterrence is based on the philosophy that the general public will be deterred by the penalty, as it outweighs the benefits of crime (Sarre, 2007). Specific deterrence, focuses on the offence committed by the individual offender. It aims to deter the offender from future prohibited behavior (Clear et al., 2006). Sarre argues that it is unlikely that people choose their actions before committing a criminal offence (2007). Preventative measures are seen as more effective than punishment (Stinchcomb, 2011).
Incapacitation refers to removing an offender’s capacity to commit further criminal offences (Carison et al). Incapacitation focuses on two approaches, selective and collective. Selective incapacitation is reserved for repeat offenders. It has emerged from the ideal that the overall crime rate would be reduced if chronic
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It also had significant benefits for the victims as they were allowed to work through the emotions of their victimization in a more healthy manner and in a safe and supported environment (Strang et al., 2012). While restorative justice conferencing still needs some improvements to have an overall efficient and effective response to criminal offending, early research indicates that it is a more progressive and successful approach to reducing crime in comparison to the traditional goals of criminal