Reading Assignment for Section 2.5

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 2.5: Theories of Punishment.

What You Will Learn

In this section, you’ll explore the concept of deterrence and the necessary elements for it to work under rational choice theory. You’ll learn about incapacitation, its goals, and associated problems in criminal justice practice. Additionally, you’ll understand rehabilitation as a goal of punishment with examples of rehabilitation programs, delve into the idea of retribution and just deserts, and examine evidence of individual and institutional racism within American criminal justice.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 2.5

• SLO 1: Explain the concept of deterrence, and explain the elements necessary for it to work under rational choice theory.
• SLO 2: Describe the concept of incapacitation and problems associated with it in criminal justice practice.
• SLO 3: Explain rehabilitation as a goal of punishment, and provide examples of rehabilitation programs.
• SLO 4: Explain the idea of retribution in criminal justice philosophy, and how it relates to the idea of just deserts.
• SLO 5: Describe evidence offered to demonstrate that both individual racism and institutional racism exist within criminal justice in America.