Retributive justice
Modern theories of punishment
It asks whether deserving a sanction provides a reason to impose it for an act committed.
Historical context
Retributive theories enter debates about whether punishment is justified by future effects or by the act committed.
Overview
A disproportionate penalty might deter and still be objectionable. Desert raises the question of whether punishment has a limit independent of how many future offences it could prevent.
Main claims
Responsibility for the act and proportionality matter in justifying a penalty.
Debates and nuances
There is disagreement over whether desert requires punishment or only limits permissible punishment.
This entry provides educational context.