How Psychology is Changing the Punishment Theory Debate
Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
11-1-2006
Abstract
This chapter shows how psychology is changing the debate about the theory of punishment. Psychology has been more successful, it may be thought, in helping the law to get its best evidence in forensic settings. The American Law Institute's proposed change in the Model Penal Code's ‘purposes’ section is also considered. Under the proposal, the traditional utilitarian mechanisms of deterrence, rehabilitation, and incapacitation can be given play only if they are not inconsistent with an offender's deserved punishment and if there is some evidence to think that they would be effective in that situation.
Keywords
law, psychology, punishment, Legal Process, Penal Code, deterrence, rehabilitation, incapacitation
Publication Title
Law and Psychology: Current Legal Issues
Repository Citation
Robinson, Paul, "How Psychology is Changing the Punishment Theory Debate" (2006). Book Chapters. 137.
https://scholarship.law.upenn.edu/faculty_chapters/137
https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199211395.003.0006
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199211395.003.0006