What is the purpose of prisons?

This position holds that the purpose of prison is retribution. It argues incarceration should be an unpleasant experience that makes offenders pay for the harm they have caused, delivering justice to victims by ensuring wrongdoing meets a fitting penalty.

This position holds that the purpose of prison is rehabilitation. It argues that prisoners deserve second chances and should be prepared for return to society, that the system must address the root causes of crime, and that this serves everyone — especially minorities harmed most by incarceration.

This position holds that the purpose of prison is incapacitation. It argues that prisons exist to restrict the freedom of dangerous people, protecting society by physically preventing known criminals from committing further crimes while they are locked safely away.

This position holds that the purpose of prison is deterrence. It argues that the prospect of imprisonment stops people from committing crimes in the first place — that fear of the consequences keeps would-be offenders in check, preventing crime before it happens.