Legal Definitions - reformative punishment

Definition: Reformative punishment is a type of punishment that aims to change the behavior and character of the offender.

Examples:

• A person who is convicted of drug possession may be required to attend drug rehabilitation programs as part of their sentence.
• A juvenile offender who committed a non-violent crime may be required to attend counseling or community service instead of being sent to jail.

These examples illustrate how reformative punishment focuses on rehabilitating the offender rather than just punishing them. The goal is to prevent future criminal behavior by addressing the root causes of the offense and helping the offender become a productive member of society.