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Criminal Sentencing In America

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Criminal Sentencing In America
Criminal sentencing in America has long been guided by one of several different major philosophies of punishment, including retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation (Spohn, 2000). Retributive sentences involve punishments intended to exact revenge, in line with the biblical idea of “an eye for an eye.” This is based on the belief that some behaviors are unconditionally wrong and therefore justified of punishment. From this perspective, sentences should be equal with the harm done to society. Deterrence, on the other hand, involves a more practical basis for sentencing. It is based on the concept that crime is easily chosen as the result of a rational cost-benefit examination. Individuals will engage in crime when the benefits
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