What is the primary concern of Retributive Justice?

The primary concern of Retributive Justice is the fairness of punishments applied to offenders. This approach focuses on the moral culpability of the individual and believes that punishment is justified when it is proportionate to the offense committed. The underlying principle is that wrongdoers deserve to be punished, and this punishment should correspond to the severity of their actions. Retributive Justice emphasizes the idea that justice is served when an offender faces consequences that reflect the harm they have caused, ensuring a balance in moral responsibility.

This perspective asserts that societal responses to criminal behavior should not just aim for utility, efficiency, or rehabilitation but rather seek to uphold a notion of justice that respects individuals' rights. Retribution serves as a means to affirm the social order and the moral standards of society by holding individuals accountable for their wrongdoing. This is distinct from other philosophies of justice that might prioritize deterrence, so the focus remains squarely on past behavior rather than future outcomes or societal reintegration.