What does the "justice model" emphasize in terms of punishment?

The justice model places a strong emphasis on the concept of proportionality in punishment, which asserts that the severity of the punishment should be closely aligned with the severity of the crime committed. This means that the punishment is not only a means of deterrence or rehabilitation but is seen as a moral necessity to ensure fairness in the justice system. The idea is that offenders deserve a punishment that is commensurate with their actions, thus reinforcing a sense of justice and accountability.

In the context of criminology, this model contrasts with approaches that prioritize rehabilitation or alternative sentencing options. While those methods focus on restoring the offender or finding alternatives to incarceration, the justice model prioritizes ensuring that individuals face corresponding consequences for their wrongful actions, thereby upholding societal norms and justice standards. This approach is rooted in retributive justice theories, which highlight the importance of delivering a punishment that reflects the nature of the crime, thereby contributing to a balanced and equitable legal system.