Prison is often seen as the final stage of the criminal justice system, but in reality, it is the beginning of a new process. Some prisoners may change their lifestyle and move toward rehabilitation, while others may spend the rest of their lives inside or repeatedly return after release. Around 10 million people are in prisons worldwide (Walmsley, 2009).

However, there is no single agreed-upon purpose of prison. Instead, there are different perspectives about why prisons exist and what they should achieve. According to Hollin (2002), imprisonment has always been part of a moral debate with historical roots. The three major views are:

  1. Retributionist View – prison is for punishment.
  2. Utilitarian View – prison should reduce reoffending.
  3. Humanitarian View – prison should focus on rehabilitation.


1. Retributionist View: Prison as Punishment

The retributionist perspective believes that the main purpose of prison is to deliver punishment to offenders. People who commit crimes deserve to suffer consequences proportionate to the seriousness of their actions. Example: For heinous crimes like sexual offenses, many feel strong disgust and demand long sentences as fair punishment.

Retributionists emphasize justice through proportionate punishment rather than focusing on reducing future crime or understanding the offender’s background. Pure retribution is, however, relatively rare in modern justice systems, because many countries combine punishment with other approaches.

2. Utilitarian View: Prison to Prevent Future Crimes

The utilitarian perspective sees prison as a practical tool to reduce the likelihood of reoffending and to protect society. The goal of punishment is not just to hurt the offender, but to discourage future crimes—both by the offender and by others who see the consequences.

Other Forms of Punishment:

  • Police cautions (for minor offences).
  • Fines (the most common punishment).
  • Compensation to victims or community service.
  • Suspended sentences.
  • Prison (reserved for serious or repeat offenders, but sometimes even fine defaulters end up imprisoned).

Effectiveness:About half of offenders reoffend after punishment (recidivism). These statistics can be seen in two ways: As depressing evidence that crime persists despite punishment. Or as proof that many offenders do not reoffend after punishment.

Example with Sex Offenders: A utilitarian might argue that long prison sentences have little value if they don’t reduce future victimization. Instead, additional programs to change behavior are needed.

Thus, the utilitarian view is more forward-looking, focusing on how penalties can reduce harm in the future.

3. Humanitarian View: Prison for Rehabilitation

The humanitarian perspective emphasizes the social backgrounds of offenders and believes in rehabilitation rather than harsh punishment. Many prisoners come from environments of deprivation, abuse, or victimization. Therefore, instead of severe punishment, they deserve support and treatment.

Example with Sex Offenders: Some sex offenders were themselves victims of abuse. From this view, simply punishing them harshly will not break the cycle of abuse. Instead, humane treatment and rehabilitation are necessary.

Rehabilitation Programs: These focus on helping offenders change their behavior, deal with past trauma, and reintegrate into society. Humanitarians argue that without proper care, punishment only worsens problems, whereas rehabilitation can stop the cycle of crime.


Other Approaches: Restorative Justice

Alongside these three main views, another approach called restorative justice has become important. It focuses on repairing harm done to victims.

Methods: 

  • Encourages offenders to accept responsibility.
  • Uses reconciliation and mediation to help victims recover.
  • Sometimes works alongside the formal justice system.

This shows that justice can also involve healing and responsibility, not only punishment or rehabilitation.