A Defense of Retributivism as a Theory of Punishment

Theories of punishment seek to validate the use of punishments and maintain societal order. These theories can be divided into two general philosophical camps, retributivism and utilitarianism. By pointing to the unacceptable consequences of other moral theories, offering a solution to the most glaring objection to retributive justice, and giving justification for the certain punishments that proportional punishments require, I seek to prove that retributive justice alone remains a functional theory of justice