According to the textbook, the goals of sentencing include (p. 393):

• Rehabilitation- changing the offender’s behavior
• Retribution- justly and fairly punishing the offender for the crimes that they committed
• Incapacitation- removing the offender from society for the protection of others
• Deterrence- discouraging the offender and possibly others from committing crimes in the future

Consider the following to guide the direction of your paper:

• Are punishments today becoming too punitive? Consider the so-called “debasement penalties.” (p. 393).
• The “three strikes and you’re out” policy. After committing two violent felonies any third felony will result in life in prison (p. 95).
• Life in prison for juveniles as well as the use of the death penalty for juveniles. (p. 119). Consider Exodus 12:12-14 and Exodus 21:16. How do these validate or void the use of the death penalty?
• Restorative justice programs that attempt to restore both the victim and offender. Can the victim and offender really be “restored?”

In your paper, detail in your writing what you think the true purpose of punishment should be from a biblical perspective. Discuss possible sentences or punishment that would be most beneficial for both the victim and offender.Your paper must be:

• 4 – 5 pages in length (not including the cover page and reference page).
  • A cover page.
  • An APA approved font and size, double spaced.
  • In-text citations to support main points.
  • A reference page with full APA references for each in-text citation used for support.
• Supported by a minimum of three scholarly sources in addition to your textbook.

(OK TO NOT USE TEXTBOOK. JUST SCHOLARLY SOURCES)