Which concept focuses on the conduct of the wrongdoer as a basis for punishment?

The concept that centers on the conduct of the wrongdoer as a basis for punishment is retribution. Retribution is grounded in the belief that offenders deserve to be punished for their actions, based on the principle of moral culpability. The focus is on the nature of the crime committed and the notion that the punishment should be proportionate to the wrongdoing. This reflects a societal need for justice, where the act of wrongdoing warrants a response that is just and reflects the severity of the crime.

In contrast, deterrence primarily aims to prevent future crimes by instilling fear of punishment in both the individual offender and potential wrongdoers. Rehabilitation focuses on reforming the offender to prevent future criminal behavior, often through social or educational programs. Incapacitation seeks to protect society by removing the offender's ability to commit further crimes, typically through incarceration. Each of these concepts serves a different purpose in the realm of criminal justice, but retribution uniquely emphasizes the moral accountability of the wrongdoer's actions as the basis for the punitive response.