Delivering retributive justice

Punishing wrongdoers rehearses for the whole society those acts which it has agreed not to condone. This prevents crime and strengthens the common bonds of the society.

Retributive justice – punishment of unlawful behaviour – does not stand on its own. Retribution is grounded in a right order that makes it possible for judges, juries, police officers and military organizations to know what should be penalized and how. Punishment itself does not establish a healthy order; it can only confirm the legitimacy of the right order by showing that unlawful behaviour will not be allowed to go unpunished.

Forgiving and rehabilitating wrongdoers can constructively deter crime and gives criminals a renewed bond of participation in their society.