Punishment Theories and Principles Quiz

The branch of law that deals with crimes and their associated punishments.

A behavior considered wrong and harmful to society, punishable by the state.

A category of crime that is inherently wrong and harmful, regardless of specific laws. Examples include murder, theft, and assault.

A category of crime that is only considered wrong because it is specifically prohibited by a law. Examples include gambling, speeding, and certain drug possession offenses.

The official definition of a crime, based on the fact that it is punished by criminal sanctions, such as imprisonment or fines.

A legal consequence imposed by the state for the commission of a crime, designed to inflict some form of suffering.

The principle that criminal liability attaches to the individual who committed the crime, not to someone else. The punishment is directed at the person who broke the law, not someone acting on their behalf.

The infliction of suffering by the state as a response to a crime. It's intended to be a deliberate and painful consequence.

Punishment justified by the principle of "an eye for an eye" - the offender deserves to be punished because they committed a crime.

A category of theories about justifying punishment that focuses on preventing future crimes. It looks forward to the potential benefits of punishment.

A broad principle that suggests punishment is justified in itself, regardless of any potential benefits like crime prevention.

A category of theories about justifying punishment that focuses on the purpose of punishment, like crime prevention or rehabilitation.

A version of retributivism that emphasizes the violation of a higher law (divine law) and the need for divine justice.

A version of retributivism that emphasizes the violation of ethical principles and the need to balance the violation with punishment.

A version of retributivism that emphasizes the violation of the legal order and the need to restore that order through punishment.

The idea that punishments are justified based on the need to prevent future crimes.

The theory of punishment that focuses on the fairness of giving offenders what they deserve, regardless of future consequences.

The principle that punishment must be proportional to the severity of the crime.

A theory of punishment that aims to prevent future crimes by deterring potential offenders.

A theory of punishment that seeks to prevent the specific offender from re-offending in the future.

The principle stating that the purpose of law is to maximize happiness and well-being for the greatest number of people in society.

The idea that punishment is justified only if it prevents a greater evil, such as crime.

The view that punishment is an evil and should be used only as a last resort to prevent greater evils.

The theory that punishment should be proportionate to the severity of the crime. It ensures fairness and discourages excessive punishments.

A punishment strategy designed to discourage potential criminals from committing crimes by showing them the consequences.

Involves the imprisonment of an offender, not for retribution or deterrence, but simply to protect society from future harm.

The practice of using punishment to rehabilitate offenders, aiming to reform their behavior and reduce recidivism.

The idea that punishment should be used to deter future crime. This approach focuses on discouraging individuals from committing crimes by making the consequences outweigh the potential benefits.

A type of deterrence that focuses on preventing a specific individual from committing crimes again.

The principle that humans should not be treated as means to an end. This means we can't use people solely for our own purposes, even if it helps prevent crime.

The belief that punishment should match the severity of the crime. This is violated when general prevention leads to disproportionately harsh sentences.

The argument that punishment is ineffective in deterring crime. This is based on the high rates of recidivism (repeat offenses) in prison systems.