Punishment: Theories

This exercise introduces students to the four standard theories of punishment, retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation. It familiarizes students with the basic features of each theory in the context of particular statutory provisions and hypotheticals drawn from the law of crimes (substantive criminal law) and the law of punishments (sentencing law).

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Recall the two questions that theories of punishment address.
2. Explain the importance of understanding punishment theories to society.
3. Explain the four standard theories of punishment: retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation.
4. Discuss the basic features of each theory in the context of particular statutory provisions.
5. Analyze the theories in the context of the law of crimes (substantive criminal law) and the law of punishments (sentencing law).