Retribution is based on which concept?

Retribution is based on which concept?

• A. Deterrence
• B. Restitution
• C. Rehabilitation
• D. Revenge or moral vengeance (eye for an eye)

Answer: (D)

Retribution is a punishment theory grounded in the idea that punishment should be given because the offender deserves it for the wrong they committed. It treats punishment as a moral response to wrongdoing, aiming for a punishment that is proportional to the crime and restores a sense of moral balance—often described as an eye-for-an-eye justice or revenge in a moral sense. This is not about deterring future crime (that would focus on making crime costly to discourage it), nor about rehabilitating the offender (which focuses on changing the person so they won’t offend again), nor about compensating or reimbursing the victim (which is the role of restitution). Instead, the centerpiece is desert: punishment deserved because of the offense itself.

Retribution is a punishment theory grounded in the idea that punishment should be given because the offender deserves it for the wrong they committed. It treats punishment as a moral response to wrongdoing, aiming for a punishment that is proportional to the crime and restores a sense of moral balance—often described as an eye-for-an-eye justice or revenge in a moral sense.

This is not about deterring future crime (that would focus on making crime costly to discourage it), nor about rehabilitating the offender (which focuses on changing the person so they won’t offend again), nor about compensating or reimbursing the victim (which is the role of restitution). Instead, the centerpiece is desert: punishment deserved because of the offense itself.