Criminal law serves multiple purposes in society, including punishment and rehabilitation. The relative weight given to these purposes can vary depending on cultural values, political priorities, and evolving societal norms .
Punishment is one of the key rationales for the imposition of criminal punishment. It serves to hold offenders accountable for their actions and to provide a sense of justice for victims and society. Punishment can take various forms, such as imprisonment, fines, or community service. It aims to deter potential offenders from committing crimes and to prevent future harm to society .
Rehabilitation is another important goal of criminal law. It focuses on addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior and helping offenders reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens. Rehabilitation programs can include education, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and counseling. The aim is to change offenders’ behaviors and attitudes, reduce the likelihood of reoffending, and promote their successful reintegration into the community .
It is increasingly acknowledged that retributive punishment must be balanced with other considerations that contribute to the rehabilitation of the offender, the restoration of the victim, and the long-term protection of society . The Catholic perspective on crime and criminal justice, for example, emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation, education efforts, substance abuse treatment, and programs of probation, parole, and reintegration .