Which rationale aims to reduce crime by preventing offenders from committing further crimes by locking them up?

• A. Retribution
• B. Incapacitation
• C. Rehabilitation
• D. Restitution

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is incapacitation. It argues that crime can be reduced by physically removing offenders from society through imprisonment, so they cannot commit further crimes while in custody. This approach focuses on preventing future offenses by limiting the offender’s opportunity to offend, rather than changing behavior or deterring others.

Other rationales have different aims: retribution emphasizes punishment because the offender deserves it; rehabilitation focuses on reforming the offender so they won’t commit crimes in the future; deterrence tries to discourage crime by making the consequences clear to potential offenders (either the specific offender or the general public); and restitution seeks to compensate victims.