How does the reformatory era differ from the previous era?

The reformatory era stands out from the previous era primarily due to its focus on rehabilitation rather than mere punishment. This shift marked a significant transformation in how the criminal justice system viewed offenders. During the earlier punitive era, the emphasis was largely on retribution and deterrence, with harsh penalties and incarceration being prevalent.

In contrast, the reformatory era introduced a more progressive approach that aimed to reform the individual and successfully reintegrate them into society. This period prioritized educational programs, vocational training, and therapeutic interventions as means to address the underlying issues that contributed to criminal behavior. The belief was that providing support and opportunities for personal growth would lead to lower recidivism rates, ultimately benefiting both the individuals and society as a whole.

This rehabilitative philosophy set the foundation for many modern criminal justice practices and the ongoing efforts to implement restorative initiatives aimed at addressing crime comprehensively.