Thinking Beyond Deterrence

Abstract:

In the aftermath of the devastating bombings during the Boston Marathon on April 15th, we heard strong proclamations from the president, other politicians, pundits, and even regular people on the streets that justice will be served. Indeed, it should be. Our spirit of justice is based on the principle that the burdens of punishment should outweigh any pleasure derived from perpetrating the crime?a premise that has guided our nation since before it was formed (Beccaria [1764] 1983).