Which rationale involves making offenders repay or compensate victims?

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

Answer: (D)

Restitution centers on making the offender repay or compensate the person harmed by the crime. It focuses on remedying the victim’s losses—such as paying for property damage, medical bills, or lost wages—by directing the offender to make those payments. This differs from deterrence, which aims to discourage crime by fear of punishment; incapacitation, which removes the offender’s ability to commit crimes; and rehabilitation, which seeks to reform the offender’s behavior. Courts often order restitution as part of sentencing, with payments going to the victim or a compensation fund. It directly ties punishment to compensating the harm done, which is why it’s the best fit for this rationale.