Crime and Punishment

The concept of crime is understood as a transgression to the legal norms established in a society, being this a recurring theme in the history of mankind and that, depending on the historical moment, this tends to vary and thus maintain an established order. From ancient times to the present day, criminal behavior has been a cause of concern for society and human beings, since it threatens stability, security and public order.

Not all crimes can be classified as the same or similar; they range from minor misdemeanors (traffic offenses, some types of theft, minor injuries or minor damage to property) to heinous acts that can shock an entire community (murder, terrorism, kidnapping). All of them share an essential characteristic, which is that they involve the breaking of a social contract that allows coexistence in an established society.

Punishment is then presented as the response that each society devises to correct, retribute or prevent the transgression of the norm or the harm caused. This punishment can take various forms, from fines and prison sentences to more controversial and extreme measures such as the death penalty. In addition to deterring the offender or delinquent, punishment seeks to reaffirm the established values that each society considers fundamental to the functioning of its community. However, its application has been the subject of ethical and legal debate: should punishment focus on retribution or rehabilitation? To what extent is a punishment that does not take into account the circumstances of the offender fair?

The relationship between crime and punishment cannot be reduced to a simple cause and effect equation. It is a very profound question, which requires a critical look at judicial systems, their forms and manners and, above all, the social conditions that favor certain crimes and the way justice is understood