Criminology_Theories of Punishment OR Schools of Punishment

Theories of Punishment OR Schools of Punishment

1. According to Jeremy Bentham the main ends of Punishment are Prevention and Compensation.
2. Following are the different types of Theory or Schools of Punishment
• Deterrent Theory
• Preventive Theory
• Reformative Theory
• Compensatory Theory
• Retributive Theory
• Expiation Theory
• Denunciatory Theory
3. Deterrent Theory of Punishment
• Deter means abstain from the action or discourage.
• According to this Theory, offenses are the result of a conflict of interest between that the wrongdoer and the society.
• This theory aims to deter the offenders from committing a crime by awarding them severe punishment.
• The object of this theory is also to set an example for other prospective criminals. 
• This type of punishment acts as a warning bell to others.
4. Preventive Theory of Punishment
• The object of this theory is to prevent the repetition of the crime by awarding punishment.
• This theory is also called as "Theory of Disablement".
• The Preventive Theory aims at physical restraint.
• Preventive Punishment can be inflicted in several ways. For instance – death imprisonment, etc.
• This Theory disables the criminal from committing the crime.
5. Reformative Theory of Punishment
• This Theory aims to educate or reform the offenders.
• This Theory treats the Crime as a Disease and the Criminal as a Patient and the Punishment is like Medicine.
• Philosophers believe in this theory since more stress is given to the criminal rather than the crime he has committed.
• The Reformative Theory of Punishment is particularly enforced in the case of young offenders.
6. Compensatory Theory of Punishment
• This Theory aims to compensate the victim of the crime, his / her family, or dependents.
• According to This theory, a greed is the mainspring of criminality and because of this wrongs are committed. It acts on the motive of the wrongdoer.
• Compensation should be concomitant with the punishment.
• Compensation is the main factor in dealing with such types of crime.
7. Retributive Theory of Punishment
• Retribution means the wrongdoer pays for his wrongdoing.
• This theory of punishment is based on the fulfillment of moral justice.
• This is also known as the Theory of Revenge or the Theory of Private Vengeance.
8. Expiation Theory of Punishment
• Hogal and Kohler have put this Theory of Punishment.
• In this Theory, the offender is not physically punished. The offender is economically punished.
• Expiation means awarding compensation to the victim or his family or dependents, from the wrongdoer.
• Generally, this Theory is adopted in offenses of light nature.
9. Denunciatory Theory of Punishment
• The meaning of the term denunciation means a public condemnation of someone or something.
• According to this Theory, punishment should be an expression of societal condemnation.
• This Theory is a combination of utilitarianism and retribution.
• It is utilitarian since it serves as a deterrent.
• Many philosophers believe in this Theory.