Punishment

Punishment is a penalty imposed on someone who has broken the law. Its aim is the purpose it is intended to achieve. When deciding a sentence, a court can look backwards at the crime already committed or forwards at how to prevent further crime.

Punishment is a penalty imposed for wrongdoing. Its purpose matters. It may seek to protect people from further harm, deter future offences, reform an offender or require reparation—putting right the damage caused.