83.5k views
5 votes
What is Nathanson's main objection to Equality Retributivism?

User Crandrades
by
7.3k points

1 Answer

0 votes

Final answer:

Nathanson's main objection to Equality Retributivism lies in its rigid approach to punishment, emphasizing that proportionality should prevail over strict equality in meting out punishment for similar offenses.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nathanson's main objection to Equality Retributivism pertains to the principled distribution of punishments which should be equal for similar offenses. His critique is based on the notion that there should be a just and proportional response to crime, rather than an egalitarian one. Equality Retributivism asserts that individuals who commit the same crime should receive the same punishment. Nathanson argues that this perspective might not account for differing circumstances and intentions behind similar crimes. He stresses the importance of proportionality — that the punishment should fit the crime — which can lead to different punishments for offenders who have committed similar acts but under different conditions or with different motivations.

User ThePixelPony
by
7.5k points