Criminal Justice Practice Exam

Which penal sanction primarily aims to prevent undesired conduct and provide retribution?

1. Punishment

2. Regularity

3. Restitution

4. Regulation

The correct answer is: Punishment

The primary aim of punishment as a penal sanction is to deter undesired conduct and to provide retribution for wrongful actions. This concept is grounded in the principle of justice, where the idea is that offenders should face consequences commensurate with their crimes. Punishment serves two main purposes: it acts as a deterrent not just for the individual offender but also for society at large, discouraging others from committing similar offenses. Furthermore, it satisfies a societal need for retribution, where the community seeks to restore moral balance by ensuring that wrongdoing is addressed through appropriate consequences. In contrast, the other options do not focus primarily on deterrence and retribution. Regularity pertains to the adherence to consistent patterns or practices rather than punitive measures. Restitution is about compensating the victim for their losses rather than punishing the offender. Regulation generally refers to the establishment of rules to manage behavior, which does not directly address punishment itself. Thus, punishment stands out as the most fitting answer for the purpose described in the question.