retributivism

American  

[ri-trib-yuh-tuh-viz-uhm] / rɪˈtrɪb yə təˌvɪz əm /

noun

1. a policy or theory of criminal justice that advocates the punishment of criminals in retribution for the harm they have inflicted.

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Other Word Forms

• retributivist adjective

Etymology

Origin of retributivism

First recorded in 1965–70; retributive + -ism

Example Sentences

“If we stop being embarrassed about retributivism,” Kleiman says, “we could then try to make it proportionate.”

From Slate

To avoid these perceived moral failings of utilitarianism, retributivism envisions the state as a neutral and dispassionate actor who imposes punishment only as a moral imperative of society.

From Salon

“This is a country largely focused on retributivism as a basis for punishment,” she continued.

From Scientific American