California Correctional Lieutenant Practice Exam

What are the three main philosophies of punishment?

1. Retributive, restorative, and incapacitative

2. Conservative, liberal, and radical

3. Deterrent, punitive, and rehabilitative

4. Criminal, civil, and administrative

The correct answer is: Conservative, liberal, and radical

The three main philosophies of punishment that are widely recognized in the field of criminal justice are retributive, restorative, and incapacitative. Retributive justice is focused on punishment as a form of societal revenge, where the offender is held accountable for their actions and must face consequences proportionate to the crime. It emphasizes moral balance, where the aim is to make the offender "pay" for their wrongdoing. Restorative justice, on the other hand, seeks to repair the harm caused by criminal behavior. This philosophy emphasizes reconciliation between the victim and the offender, often involving mediation and community involvement to foster healing and reintegration. Incapacitative punishment is primarily concerned with preventing future crimes by removing the offender from society, primarily through imprisonment. This approach is predicated on the belief that restricting an individual's freedom will protect the community from potential harm. These philosophies provide the groundwork for understanding how societies respond to crime and the varying approaches that can be taken to address criminal behavior and its impact on victims and communities.