Which theory of punishment emphasizes that wrongdoers deserve punishment proportional to their offense as a matter of justice?

• A. Retribution
• B. Deterrence
• C. Rehabilitation
• D. Incapacitation

Answer: (A)

Retribution focuses on punishment as a matter of justice, punishing offenders because they deserve it in proportion to the offense. The idea is that the severity of the punishment should fit the seriousness of what was done, restoring a moral balance or desert. It treats punishment as a moral response to wrongdoing rather than a tool to achieve future goals.

Deterrence looks to future effects—discouraging crime by making examples or warnings, not about deserts or proportionality. Rehabilitation aims to reform the offender so they won’t commit crimes again, focusing on the person’s future behavior. Incapacitation seeks to prevent harm by removing the offender from society.

So, the best answer is the notion of punishing because the offender deserves it, with punishment proportional to the offense.