IN-CJ Podcast 045 – What’s The Purpose of Punishment?
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In this discussion, Roz Morrison, was joined by Professor Rob Canton, author of ‘Why Punish – An introduction to the Philosophy of Punishment’ 2017 and ‘Punishment – Key Ideas in Criminology’ 2022; Michael W. Nail, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Community Supervision and Professor Martine Evans of University of Reims. They explored the role and purpose of punishment, and asked what do we achieve by punishing people who commit crimes? What is the role and purpose of punishment in sentencing by courts? Is punishment a natural response to social transgressions and criminal acts? Does punishment help bring balance and satisfaction to victims of crime? Do we punish people to motivate criminals to reform?
This IN-CJ podcast brought together international perspectives to explore one of the most fundamental questions in criminal justice: what is the purpose of punishment?
The discussion was opened by Professor Rob Canton, who reflected on the philosophical and emotional foundations of punishment. He argued that while punishment is politically and emotionally indispensable, it often fails to achieve the purposes it claims, such as deterrence, rehabilitation, or protection. Instead, it is heavily shaped by public emotions – anger, fear, and disgust – and by broader cultural and social contexts.
Contributors from France, Scotland, the United States, and Australia offered comparative insights into how punishment operates across jurisdictions. In France, rising incarceration rates and political consensus around punitive policies were highlighted. Scotland was described as caught between its welfare traditions and persistently high levels of imprisonment. From the United States, speakers noted the deep polarisation between states, where punishment is often driven by local politics and public sentiment. In Australia, the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in prisons was linked to colonial histories, systemic disadvantage, and cultural marginalisation.
Themes of remorse and responsibility also surfaced, questioning how courts interpret expressions of remorse, and whether genuine responsibility can be distinguished from courtroom performance.
Professor Canton described punishment as a “tragedy”: something societies cannot seem to abandon, yet which rarely fulfils the aims it promises. This framing invited listeners to think critically about whether punishment is the right vehicle for justice, or whether new approaches are needed to address harm, responsibility, and social repair.
This podcast underlined that punishment is not only a matter of law or management, but a reflection of cultural values, political choices, and emotional dynamics.
Listen to the full discussion in IN-CJ Podcast 045 – What’s the Purpose of Punishment.
Issues that were considered in the discussion considered how and to what extent it is possible to achieve an effective balance between the needs of institutions and practices of punishment, and whether other countries have different expectations about the role and purpose of punishment? While public policy in relation to crime is often presented as being principled and rational, perhaps there are other influences at work which need to be considered if we are to improve our international penal systems?
IN-CJ is hosting a further opportunity to discuss international perspectives of the role of punishment in criminal justice. Our first webinar was a discussion with a panel of experts. This is being followed by a forum discussion, in which IN-CJ subscribers can discuss the role and philosophy of punishment from different countries’ perspectives.
Discussion Forum: 16:00 BST Wednesday 29th March 2023
Ticket bookings are available via Eventbrite:
Book Tickets for the Forum Discussion Here
Each session will be recorded and shared as a podcast and via YouTube afterwards.
To take part in our discussions, sign-up at the IN-CJ Email Forum.
