Healing for victim, hope for offender

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the fundamental basis of punishment, especially criminal punishment, is that the offender deserves to be punished. When put that way, getting just deserts is the primary reason for punishment, and ensuring that it fits the crime makes sense and gives satisfaction to the victim.

In an enlightened society, we do not punish the offender and leave him to rot. We seek to rehabilitate, restore and reintegrate him back into society as a responsible and contributing member. 

This is what we call restorative justice - both the restorative and justice elements must be given equal attention.

It is a fine balance. Focus too heavily on restoration and it may result in too lenient a punishment. Put too much weight on justice and it may lead to overly harsh punishment.

When the balance between restoration for the offender and justice for the victim is achieved, there is healing for the victim and hope for the offender.

Qns: 

1. 'Rehabilitation, not punishment, should be the purpose of the justice system.’ Discuss. (Cam. 2017)

2. To what extent is it possible ‘to make the punishment fit the crime’? (Cam. 2013)