re: #564 Aceofwhat?

Sure, i buy that. I think we could say (and Locker would say, although i disclaim here in an effort not to put the wrong words in their mouth) that incarceration is also a “retributive” measure.

Although while we’re at it, perhaps we’re just seeing it wrong. In the case of felonies that deserve (and receive) life sentences, should we more properly label incarceration as a “preventative” measure?

hmmm…

Another popular argument is that, in the case of a crime of passion, the deterrent effect of the sentence is much less than in the case of a coldly calculated crime. A husband who finds his spouse in bed with his best friend is not likely to consider the penalty while his finger is on the trigger. But a contract killer will in theory at least consider the penalty as part of his business decision.