Sentencing theory

Punishment refers to the sanctions that may be taken against an aggressor of justly held property. Punishment theories include retribution, restitution, deterrence, and rehabilitation. In practice (and in theory) law has a tendency to implement a mixture of several or all of the theories. Ludwig von Mises writes:

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Liberalism neither wishes to nor can deny that the coercive power of the state and the lawful punishment of criminals are institutions that society could never, under any circumstances, do without. However, the liberal believes that the purpose of punishment is solely to rule out, as far as possible, behavior dangerous to society. Punishment should not be vindictive or retaliatory. The criminal has incurred the penalties of the law, but not the hate and sadism of the judge, the policeman, and the ever lynch-thirsty mob.

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