straffning

Straffning is the act of imposing a penalty on someone for a wrongdoing. The concept covers punishment, sanctions, and corrective measures intended to deter, sanction, or rehabilitate. In Swedish usage, related terms include straff (the punishment or penalty) and påföljd (a sanctioned penalty or sanction).

In the legal system, straffning refers to the imposition of a sentence by a court, which may include imprisonment, fines, probation, or community service. The goals of punishment in this context can include deterrence, retribution, and rehabilitation, while also aiming to protect society and uphold the rule of law. The terminology varies by jurisdiction; many systems distinguish between the punishment itself (straff) and the specific legal consequence (påföljd).

Outside criminal law, straffning is used to describe disciplinary actions in educational settings, workplaces, and families. These actions can range from warnings and loss of privileges to more formal sanctions. Historically, some societies employed corporal punishment, but modern policy in many countries restricts or forbids it, especially in relation to children. In Sweden, corporal punishment of children was banned in 1979, and contemporary straffning in schools and homes tends to rely on non-physical disciplinary measures.

Public policy debates about straffning often center on effectiveness, proportionality, and the balance between punishment and rehabilitation. Restorative justice approaches emphasize accountability and reconciliation over punitive measures.

Related topics include punishment, penalty, deterrence, rehabilitation, restorative justice, and the penal system.