What Is Punishment?

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What is Punishment?
Punishment may be used in lieu of many things. Usually when a punishment is given it is because an individual has violated a rule or law by not following the commands in which were put into place. According to The Free Dictionary, “Punishment is a penalty imposed for wrongdoing.” (thefreedictionary.com). If a child has committed an act that was disapproved by that child’s parent, their punishment may mean an early bedtime, no television, or not being able to go out to play. An adult, in their place of employment, may receive punishment a little differently. A punishment may be given if the individual violates company policies or procedure. The punishment may involve disciplinary action that may consist of a written warning, suspension, or even termination. When dealing with criminals, or alleged offenders, a punishment is given as a form of justice. The punishment may include a fine, penalty, or confinement. The punishment is usually given to fit the crime that was committed. If one has committed a crime, the result(s) of their punishment are endless.
History of Punishment
Crime is an act that has been committed in which society is affected. Crime has been around for centuries. There are ranges for crimes. The ranges are determined by misdemeanor or felony. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses and carry a punishment of up to a year of imprisonment. Felonies are serious offenses and carry a punishment of more than a year of imprisonment. Depending on when in history a crime was committed, determined the type of punishment someone received. Crimes committed during the B.C. (Before Christ) period had a different punishment, from a person who may have committed the same crime now.
The first murder, known to man...

... middle of paper ...

... whatever the offense committed by an individual, not only violated the law, also was offensive to god. In order to correct the offense, not only for the offender but also the community, the offender had to make peace with God.
For every justification for punishment, (retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation, and divine will), there are reason as to why a particular punishment is used. Though each is different, each with different intentions, they all have one main goal in common. The goal of the justifications for punishment is to deter future behavior in order to decrease crime. If there were not justifications put into play to have order within the criminal system, there would be chaos and crimes being committed by everyone with very little regard for the law. Because of punishment,

There are no limits to who a punishment can be imposed up on.

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