What are the primary purposes of punishment in the criminal justice system?

The primary purposes of punishment in the criminal justice system are to deter others from committing crimes and to provide retribution. Deterrence serves as a preventative measure aimed at discouraging both the offender and the general public from engaging in criminal behavior. By imposing penalties, the system communicates that criminal actions have consequences, which may reduce the likelihood of future offenses.

Retribution reflects society's response to wrongdoing and provides a sense of justice for the victims and the community. It is based on the principle that offenders deserve to be punished in proportion to the severity of their crimes, promoting a moral balance.

While disabling offenders or focusing solely on rehabilitation can be aspects of the punishment process, they do not encapsulate the comprehensive goals defined by the broader purposes of the criminal justice system. Minimizing governmental expenses is generally not a stated purpose of punishment; instead, the emphasis is placed on maintaining public safety and upheld societal norms.