Retributivism

Retributivism is the ethical theory that emphasizes justice through punishment. It holds that when someone commits a wrongful act, they deserve to be punished proportionally to the severity of their crime. The core idea is that punishment is justified not to deter others or rehabilitate, but because the offender has morally earned it. In essence, it respects the idea that justice requires giving people what they deserve, maintaining moral balance and fairness. This approach views punishment as a form of moral response, emphasizing accountability and the importance of maintaining societal moral order.