Which concept involves punishing a criminal to prevent future crimes?

The concept that involves punishing a criminal to prevent future crimes is commonly referred to as disablement. This approach focuses on incapacitating the offender, rendering them unable to commit further crimes, often through imprisonment or other forms of intervention. The goal of disablement is to protect society by ensuring that individuals who pose a risk to public safety are removed from the community.

Retributive justice, on the other hand, emphasizes punishment as a form of moral retribution for the wrongdoing itself, rather than focusing specifically on preventing future offenses. Restorative justice seeks to repair the harm caused by criminal behavior, often involving reconciliation between the victim and the offender, with a focus on healing rather than punishment. Utilitarianism is a philosophical approach that evaluates the moral worth of an action based on its outcomes, often aiming for the greatest good for the greatest number, but it does not specifically tie punishment to the prevention of future crimes in the way that disablement does.

In summary, disablement is distinctly oriented towards preventing future crimes by incapacitating offenders, making it the concept that aligns best with the idea of punishment for the purpose of public safety.