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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Deterrence and Retribution?

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The difference between deterrence and retribution lies in their purposes and the underlying principles they are based on. Here are the key differences between the two concepts:

  • Deterrence:
  • Deterrence theory views punishment as a means of discouraging people from committing crimes, working on both the individual and societal level.
  • It is based on the idea of prevention and caution, aiming to stop someone from doing something wrong.
  • Deterrence can also be used as a means to set an example to others who are would-be or soon-to-be offenders.
  • Retribution:
  • Retributive justice states that if a person breaks the law, they should suffer in return, meaning that the person who inflicted the wrong should endure harm of their own.
  • Retribution is grounded in morality and the distinction between right and wrong, with the punishment being proportional to the severity of the crime committed.
  • The person who causes and inflicts pain in others by retribution does it as part of sadism, meaning that the doer is sadistic in their approach.

In summary, deterrence focuses on preventing crime by discouraging potential criminals from committing offenses, while retribution is about inflicting harm on the offender as a form of justice, proportional to the crime they committed. Both concepts are often used in the modern justice system, but they serve different purposes and are based on distinct principles.

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  • What is the Difference Between Deterrence and Retribution?
  • Comparative Table: Deterrence vs Retribution

    • Comparative Table: Deterrence vs Retribution

    Here is a table comparing the differences between deterrence and retribution:

    Feature Deterrence Retribution
    Definition Deterrence is a legal principle that aims to prevent future criminal behavior by imposing penalties on offenders. Retribution is a legal principle that seeks to punish offenders for their past actions, often as a form of revenge or to satisfy a sadistic nature.
    Purpose The main goal of deterrence is to set an example in society, discouraging others from committing similar crimes. The primary objective of retribution is to make the offender suffer, often as a form of 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth'.
    Nature Deterrence focuses on cautioning the offender not to commit the same crime again. Retribution is sometimes considered an act of revenge, affecting the victim's family members rather than the victim directly.
    Types Individual (or specific) deterrence: Aims to deter individuals who have already committed a crime from repeating the behavior. General deterrence: Justifies the imposition of punishment to deter other potential offenders. Retribution theory is an 'offence-based tariff', proposing punishments of varying severity matched to crimes of differing seriousness.

    In summary, deterrence aims to prevent future criminal behavior by imposing penalties, while retribution seeks to punish offenders for their past actions, often as a form of revenge.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.