A citizen group sends letters to the governor of a southern state and asks her to reconsider stopping the execution of a man on death row convicted of murdering a police officer. The governor declines, stating that the purpose of the criminal justice system is to remove this convicted murderer from society so that everyone else can be protected. What type of justification for punishment is used by the governor?
A) retribution
B) rehabilitation
C) deterrence
D) incapacitation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The governor's response emphasizes the need to remove the convicted murderer from society in order to protect others, which is a justification for punishment based on incapacitation. This involves the use of punishment to prevent the offender from committing further crimes. The other justifications listed (retribution, rehabilitation, deterrence) do not match the governor's reasoning, as they focus on other goals of punishment such as moral retribution, reforming the offender, or deterring others from committing crimes.

A Citizen Group Sends Letters to the Governor of a Southern