punition

Punition is the act of imposing a penalty on a person or actor for an act deemed unlawful or undesirable. The term is used predominantly in French and other Romance-language contexts, and in English it is commonly treated as a translation of punishment or as a specialized philosophical or historical term. The concept encompasses penalties imposed by the state (criminal justice), institutions (education or employment), and social groups.

In criminal justice, punishments may include imprisonment, fines, probation, or community service. In educational settings, disciplinary measures range from warnings and detention to suspension or expulsion. Corporal punishment refers to physical discipline; its use has declined and is prohibited in many jurisdictions or settings due to human rights concerns.

Punishment is explained by several theories: deterrence, retribution, incapacitation, and rehabilitation. Restorative justice emphasizes repairing harm and involves victims, offenders, and communities in a collective process. Ethical and practical concerns include proportionality, fairness, potential harm, and questions about effectiveness.

Historically, punishment has varied with legal culture; corporal punishments were more common in earlier eras and modern systems often favor imprisonment, fines, or rehabilitation. International human rights norms limit cruel, inhuman, or degrading punishment, and many jurisdictions ban corporal punishment in schools and promote alternatives.