word

Retributive Justice

reh-TRIB-yoo-tiv JUS-tis

/rɪˈtrɪbjʊtɪv ˈdʒʌstɪs/

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Syllable breakdown

retributivejustice

Dictionary meaning

A theory of justice holding that wrongdoers deserve punishment proportional to the severity of their offence, justified on the basis of desert rather than deterrence or rehabilitation

Examples

Retributive justice holds that the death penalty is a fitting response to murder because the punishment must match the crime.
Critics argue that retributive justice prioritises vengeance over societal healing.

Synonyms: punitive justice, desert-based justice, just deserts theory

Pronunciation tips

Stress the second syllable: reh-TRIB; 'retributive' has four syllables

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