What are the different types of criminal punishments?
In Delaware, criminal punishments can be broken into two broad categories: punitive sanctions and rehabilitative approaches. Punitive sanctions are criminal penalties, typically the most severe form of criminal punishment, intended to punish and discourage criminal behavior. These include prison sentences, probation, fines, and restitution. Punitive sanctions are intended to remove the offender from society, either temporarily or permanently, and can be combined in order to achieve both potential for rehabilitation and deterrence. Rehabilitative approaches also aim to deter criminal behavior, but emphasize helping the offender become a productive member of society. These approaches often involve counseling, support services, and other types of support in order to help the offender understand and change their behavior. Community service, rehabilitation programs, and alternative sentencing such as house arrest or electronic monitoring can all be considered part of a rehabilitative approach. Ultimately, criminal punishments vary based on the severity of the crime and the individual’s ability to reform. Judges and prosecutors have discretion to assign a combination of punishments, or to consider mitigating factors when deciding on a sentence. In Delaware, whichever approach is chosen, the state has an obligation to ensure that justice and mercy are both served.
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