What does the term "rehabilitation" aim to achieve in the context of sentencing?

In the context of sentencing, rehabilitation aims to prevent future crimes by reforming the offender. This approach focuses on addressing the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior, such as substance abuse, lack of education, or mental health issues. By providing offenders with the necessary resources and support to change their behavior, the goal is to reintegrate them into society as law-abiding citizens. Rehabilitation emphasizes the potential for personal growth and transformation, contrasting with punitive approaches that primarily seek to impose severe penalties on offenders without addressing the root causes of their actions.

This perspective aligns with restorative justice aims, where the primary focus is on the offender's development and reintegration rather than merely punitive measures. The idea is that by reforming the individual, society can reduce recidivism and enhance public safety, ultimately benefiting both the offender and the community as a whole.