, PEN1502 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester 1
2025 - DUE 19 March 2025; 100% TRUSTED Complete, trusted
solutions and explanations. For assistance, Whats-App
QUESTION 1
1.1 What theories of punishment (e.g., retribution, deterrence,
rehabilitation, incapacitation) justify John Z.’s death sentence?
Several punishment theories could justify John Z.'s death sentence:
Retribution: This theory supports punishment as a form of moral
vengeance. Given the severity of John Z.’s crimes (two murders), retribution
justifies his execution as a proportionate response to his wrongdoing.
Society imposes the death penalty as a means of justice, ensuring that the
punishment fits the gravity of the crime.
Deterrence: The death penalty is often justified as a deterrent to prevent
future crimes. The argument is that potential offenders may reconsider
committing murder if they fear execution. However, the effectiveness of this
approach remains debated.
Incapacitation: Executing John Z. ensures that he will never commit
another violent crime. Unlike life imprisonment, which carries the risk of
escape or parole, the death penalty permanently removes the possibility of
recidivism.
Rehabilitation (Not Applicable): The purpose of rehabilitation is to reform
an offender so they can reintegrate into society. Since the death penalty
eliminates the individual, this theory does not support it in John Z.’s case.
1.2 Does John Z.’s punishment align with the principle of proportionality in
sentencing? Explain how.
The principle of proportionality in sentencing ensures that the punishment fits the
severity of the crime. In John Z.’s case:
2025 - DUE 19 March 2025; 100% TRUSTED Complete, trusted
solutions and explanations. For assistance, Whats-App
QUESTION 1
1.1 What theories of punishment (e.g., retribution, deterrence,
rehabilitation, incapacitation) justify John Z.’s death sentence?
Several punishment theories could justify John Z.'s death sentence:
Retribution: This theory supports punishment as a form of moral
vengeance. Given the severity of John Z.’s crimes (two murders), retribution
justifies his execution as a proportionate response to his wrongdoing.
Society imposes the death penalty as a means of justice, ensuring that the
punishment fits the gravity of the crime.
Deterrence: The death penalty is often justified as a deterrent to prevent
future crimes. The argument is that potential offenders may reconsider
committing murder if they fear execution. However, the effectiveness of this
approach remains debated.
Incapacitation: Executing John Z. ensures that he will never commit
another violent crime. Unlike life imprisonment, which carries the risk of
escape or parole, the death penalty permanently removes the possibility of
recidivism.
Rehabilitation (Not Applicable): The purpose of rehabilitation is to reform
an offender so they can reintegrate into society. Since the death penalty
eliminates the individual, this theory does not support it in John Z.’s case.
1.2 Does John Z.’s punishment align with the principle of proportionality in
sentencing? Explain how.
The principle of proportionality in sentencing ensures that the punishment fits the
severity of the crime. In John Z.’s case:
