Which term best describes the rationale that aims to prevent crime by removing offenders from society?

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

Answer: (D)

The idea here is to prevent crime by physically removing offenders from society, which is known as incapacitation. By detaining someone—through jail or prison—their ability to commit further crimes is blocked, at least for the duration of confinement. This focus on restricting the offender’s opportunities to offend, rather than changing their motivations, is what makes incapacitation the most fitting description.

Retribution centers on punishing the offender to repay a moral wrongdoing. Deterrence aims to discourage future crimes by making the consequences clear to others (and sometimes to the offender). Rehabilitation seeks to reform the offender so they won’t commit crimes in the future. While these goals may accompany incapacitation in policy, the specific rationale described—preventing crime by removing the offender from society—aligns with incapacitation.