Why do we punish criminals?

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by tbpew

I submit that the overarching objective is to instill a confidence that EQUITY exists within a system of laws. Justice demands "retribution" for the ills that your actions 'involuntarily' imposed on a non-combative society.

That is why I am saddened that WORK camps have been considered 'cruel and unusual' punishment. The reality of any punitive loss of liberty should not just be a loss of access or discretionary time, but should inherently have a 'retribution' component.

If someone perpetrates an act that contradicts the known laws of a society, the punishment should include activities consistent with an equitable repayment of society's loss plus the cost to apprehend, prosecute and incarcerate(sp?). It would not likely be one-for-one dollar costing, but it would incentivize certain aspects of the process to seek the fastest agreeable resolution.

I agree!