The Punishment Dilemma.

The punishment issue is immersed in a maze of complicated issues, assumptions and competing ideologies. Some of these are considered. Factors contributing to the dilemma are considered. Questions and selected comments are offered concerning the major contenders in the dilemma-retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation and integration. The resolution of the punishment must ultimately come to terms with the question, what values do we try to support and sustain and what values do we sacrifice and deempha-size? The punishment issue is imbedded in a maze of complicated issues, conflicts, and erroneous beliefs. This paper raises a variety of questions, considers some of the areas which in this writer's opinion need to be addressed in dealing with the punishment dilemma, presents selected observations with respect to the major competing theories of punishment and offers some concluding observations on the subject. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]