Theories of Punishment in Criminology
Introduction Punishment is the immediate consequence that follows a criminal act. It is imposed by the competent authority as a response to wrongdoing. In simple terms, punishment refers to the suffering, loss, or penalty inflicted on a person because of a crime committed. In the study of Criminology, punishment plays an important role in maintaining social order and preventing criminal behaviour. Over time, scholars have developed different theories to explain the purpose and function of punishment. Meaning of Punishment Punishment can be defined as a legal penalty imposed by the state on a person who has committed a crime. The primary objective of punishment is to maintain law and order in society and discourage individuals from committing offences. Different philosophers and jurists have proposed various explanations regarding why punishment is necessary and how it should be applied. Theories of Punishment The major theories of punishment are: 1. Deterrent Theory 2. Preventive Theor...