penal policy

Penal policy refers to the set of guidelines and principles that governments and justice systems use to determine how to respond to criminal behavior. It involves deciding what types of punishments or corrections—such as fines, community service, or imprisonment—are appropriate for different offenses. The goal is to balance punishment, deterrence, rehabilitation, and public safety. Penal policy also considers fairness, proportionality, and the social impact of these measures to ensure justice is served while aiming to reduce future crimes.