What is the term for a deserved penalty or punishment imposed for a crime?

The term "retribution" refers to the concept of deserved punishment imposed on an individual for committing a crime. It is based on the principle of justice that seeks to give offenders what they deserve in response to their wrongdoing. This idea is rooted in moral philosophy and legal theories that emphasize the balance between crime and punishment, ensuring that the punishment is proportionate to the offense committed.

Retribution serves not only to penalize the offender but also to affirm societal norms and values, reinforcing the belief that individuals will be held accountable for their actions. This contrasts with other approaches, such as rehabilitation, which focuses on reforming the offender's behavior, or restitution, which emphasizes compensating victims rather than punishing the offender directly. Recidivism, on the other hand, refers to the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend and is not related to the concept of punishment but rather to the behavior of individuals after they have been punished.

Understanding retribution within the broader context of criminal justice helps in grasping the various objectives and philosophies that underpin penal systems, highlighting its role in maintaining social order and promoting justice.