Retributivism, Penal Censure, and Life Imprisonment without Parole

Criminal Justice Ethics 38 (2019)

Posted: 4 Nov 2020

See all articles by Netanel Dagan

Netanel Dagan

Hebrew University of Jerusalem - Faculty of Law; Hebrew University of Jerusalem - Faculty of Law

Julian V. Roberts

University of Oxford - Centre for Criminology

Date Written: 2019

Abstract

This article advances a censure-based case against sentences of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Our argument justifies a retributive “second look” assessment of long-term prison sentences. The article focuses on the censuring element of long-term prison sentences while re-conceptualizing penal censure as a dynamic and responsive concept. By doing so, the article explores the significance of the prisoner’s life after sentencing (largely ignored by retributivists) and promotes a more nuanced approach to censure-based proportionality. Policy-makers may welcome this approach as a way to control excessive prison sentences while remaining within a retributive penal framework. Although we are making a general argument about the need for responsive censure within a retributive sentencing regime, the case for this approach is particularly compelling at the present time. Almost all Western nations, and particularly the US, impose very lengthy, often life sentences of imprisonment for a wide range of offences, thereby affecting large numbers of prisoners.

Keywords: penal theory, retributivism, penal censure, life imprisonment without parole

Suggested Citation

Dagan, Netanel and Dagan, Netanel and Roberts, Julian V., Retributivism, Penal Censure, and Life Imprisonment without Parole (2019). Criminal Justice Ethics 38 (2019), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3692612

Netanel Dagan (Contact Author)

Hebrew University of Jerusalem - Faculty of Law ( email )

Mount Scopus
Mount Scopus, IL Israel 91905
Israel

Hebrew University of Jerusalem - Faculty of Law ( email )

Mount Scopus
Mount Scopus, IL Israel 91905
Israel

Julian V. Roberts

University of Oxford - Centre for Criminology ( email )

Manor Road Building
Manor Road
Oxford, OX1 3UQ
United Kingdom

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