Adult offenders

Need to know

What you need to know

• Sentencing aims are legally defined in the Criminal Justice Act 2003.
• Retribution involves punishment and expressing societal disapproval ('just deserts').
• Deterrence can be individual (preventing reoffending) or general (dissuading the public).
• Incapacitation aims to protect the public from harm by the offender.
• Rehabilitation seeks to reform the offender and address the root causes of their behaviour.
• Reparation focuses on compensating the victim or the community.

Explanation

Adult offenders

1. Sentencing aims are legally defined in the Criminal Justice Act 2003.
2. Retribution involves punishment and expressing societal disapproval ('just deserts').
3. Deterrence can be individual (preventing reoffending) or general (dissuading the public).
4. Incapacitation aims to protect the public from harm by the offender.