Can Twenty-first Century Punishment Policies Be Justified in Principle?

This chapter canvasses a wide range of punishment policies and issues that need examination. The first section, to set the stage, discusses the evolution and influence of punishment theories over the past two centuries. The second section surveys recent policy initiatives that have been insufficiently examined and identifies issues they raise that deserve scrutiny. The third section identifies subjects theorists might explore if they want more fruitfully to address issues raised by contemporary punishment policies and practices.