Criminal Justice Theory

Criminal justice theory examines how society responds to crime, aiming to understand the causes of criminal behavior and the effectiveness of various justice systems. It explores concepts like deterrence (preventing crime through punishment), rehabilitation (restoring offenders to society), retribution (punishing offenders because they deserve it), and societal protection (keeping communities safe). Theories help shape laws, policies, and practices to promote fairness, safety, and order, balancing individual rights with the needs of the community. They provide a framework for evaluating the morality, efficiency, and impact of criminal justice strategies.