What is one goal of punishment reflected in the justice system?

One goal of punishment within the justice system is the reduction of future crimes through deterrence. This approach aims to discourage both the individual offender and the general public from committing crimes, underpinning the belief that when potential offenders perceive the consequences of their actions—such as imprisonment or fines—they may think twice before engaging in illegal activities. Deterrence serves both specific aims, targeting individuals who have already committed crimes to prevent them from re-offending, and general aims, creating a sense of accountability within the broader community.

Restoration of the offender's honor, fair compensation for the offender, and increased taxpayer funding for prisons do not directly align with the primary goals of the justice system regarding punishment. While various theories of justice may contemplate restoration or compensation, the primary focus in this context remains deterrence as a means of ensuring public safety and reducing overall crime rates.