Corporal Punishment

1 Pages 155 Words

Corporal Punishment, in criminology, some manner of physical punishment inflicted by judicial order on the body of an offender. The term generally refers to flogging, branding, or mutilation as punishment for a crime. Historically, corporal punishment has been practiced since ancient times. It was assumed that the injured criminal would be less likely to commit other crimes, but this assumption was never proved, and in fact, one theory holds that severe corporal punishment increases the likelihood of further criminal acts. In the 20th century, corporal punishment fell into disfavor in many countries, including the United States. It was replaced with penal methods that provide correctional goals, such as psychological guidance and vocational training programs in prisons. Corporal punishment is still part of the penal systems of some nations in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. It is also favored by people who believe it can be used as a deterrent to the growing crime rate....