What should the purposes of sanctions be defined as in the future?

The purpose of sanctions should be defined as specific and clarified to ensure that they serve their intended objectives within the corrections system effectively. By having clearly defined sanctions, the justice system can align the consequences with the principles of rehabilitation, deterrence, and community safety. This clarity also helps offenders understand the consequences of their actions, thereby aiding in the deterrent effect of the sanctions. Moreover, well-defined sanctions enable practitioners in the criminal justice field to apply them consistently and fairly, fostering public trust and transparency in the corrections process.

Specific and clarified sanctions assist in avoiding misunderstandings about the nature and intent of the punishment, which could impact both the offender's response to rehabilitation efforts and the overall effectiveness of the corrections system. This approach also allows for better evaluation of the outcomes of various sanctions, creating a feedback loop that can contribute to continuous improvement in correctional practices.