Final answer:
The just deserts model of corrections is a punitive approach in criminal justice that emphasizes that the punishment should be proportionate to the crime, reflecting the principle of retribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The just deserts model of corrections is a concept in criminal justice that emphasizes that the punishment should be proportionate to the crime committed. This retributive philosophy suggests that the primary aim of punishment is to grant justice by giving offenders what they deserve, which is a sentence that truly reflects the severity and nature of their crime.
It is based on the principle of retribution, meaning wrongdoers are deservedly punished for their acts but not to a degree greater than what their actions warrant.
The just deserts model contrasts with other models that focus on rehabilitation, prevention, incarceration, and restoration.
Rehabilitation seeks to transform the offender into a contributing member of society, while prevention strategies aim to deter potential crimes before they occur. Incarceration is the removal of criminals from society to prevent them from committing further crimes, and restorative justice centers on repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior.
Incorporated within debates on criminal justice are issues concerning fairness and equity within our legal system. These include discussions about the treatment of inmates, the effectiveness of various sentencing strategies such as the death penalty, and the consideration of factors such as circumstance and intent in applying the law.
The just deserts model specifically rejects the idea of using punishment primarily to deter or rehabilitate and focuses on issuing deserved penalties.