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RETRIBUTION
Deriving from the notions of retribute (to give back or return) or to receive in recompense and the Christian sense of deserved, adequate or fit, the term is now used exclusively to refer to punishment. Retribution is punishment deserved because of an offence and which fits the severity of the offence. Punishment is justified because it makes the offender give up money, personal freedom or comfort that is equivalent to the harm or loss done to others. Retribution must be distinguished from revenge and retaliation.

Last updated 2002--0-9-

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Athabaca University ICAAP

© Robert Drislane, Ph.D. and Gary Parkinson, Ph.D.
The online version of this dictionary is a product of
Athabasca University and
ICAAP

*This social science dictionary has 1000
entries covering the disciplines of sociology, criminology, political
science and women's study with a commitment to Canadian examples and
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