[RcouF1uZ4gsC]

> That's medieval and doesn't belong in modern civilization.

The concept of retribution as justice goes far back beyond medieval, to at least the Bronze Age (see Hammurabi).

In addition, it seems a common component across cultures. The utilitarian view is by no means nearly as universal.

Here is a modern example: every few years you hear about some former Nazi Concentration Camp guard that was arrested. From a utilitarian point of view it is completely useless. The old guard is never ever going to take part in anything like that again. However, from a justice as retribution for misdeeds, it make perfect sense.

[cm2187]

Or if someone kills his wife in a passion crime, along that logic, what is the point of jailing him then? He doesn’t have another wife to kill and so there is no further harm to society expected. So he should walk free if the only objective is no further harm to society.

Punishment achieves fairness and deterrence.