retributivity

Retributivity is a theory of punishment that holds that punishment is justified because it is deserved. It is rooted in the idea that individuals who commit wrongful acts should suffer a penalty proportionate to the harm they have caused. This contrasts with other theories of punishment, such as deterrence, rehabilitation, or incapacitation, which focus on the future consequences of punishment rather than its intrinsic fairness.

The core principle of retributivity is often summarized by the phrase "an eye for an eye," though modern retributive justice systems aim for proportionality rather than literal mirroring of the offense. The severity of the punishment should reflect the moral blameworthiness of the offender and the gravity of the crime. Retributivism emphasizes the moral culpability of the offender and views punishment as a way to restore a kind of moral balance that was disrupted by the criminal act.

Key to retributivity is the concept of desert. It suggests that offenders have earned their punishment through their voluntary actions and that society has a moral obligation to impose it. This theory is concerned with justice for the past act, rather than primarily with preventing future harm. Proponents argue that failing to punish a wrongdoer would be unjust, as it would allow the offender to escape the consequences of their actions. Retributivity is often seen as a deontological approach, focusing on duty and fairness, whereas consequentialist theories focus on outcomes.