Retributive justice is best described by which term?

• A. Balance
• B. Deterrence
• C. Compensation
• D. Rehabilitation

Answer: (A)

Retributive justice centers on restoring moral order by punishing the offender because they deserve it for the wrong they committed. The core idea is that punishment should be proportional to the crime and reflect desert, maintaining balance in the social-justice system. That’s why balance (moral desert and proportional punishment) is the best descriptor.

Deterrence aims to prevent future crimes by making punishment seem unpleasant or frightening, rather than addressing the offender’s deserved response to their act. Compensation focuses on making victims whole after harm has occurred, not on the offender’s deserved punishment. Rehabilitation seeks to change the offender’s behavior so they won’t commit offenses in the future, which is about reform rather than balancing justice.