Would liberal most likely would support the retributive approach or the utilitarian approach to punishment?

Answer 1

Liberals tend to support both methods, though they tend to side on the utilitarian position more.

It depends on the situation at hand. There is no 'one size fits all' policy when dealing with punishment. Past behavior, social background, etc. are taken into account. It's one of the basic tenets of liberalism: keep one's options open.

Answer 2

Utilitarian. Retributive is useful only as an adjunct to useful punishment and rehabilitation. Since almost all people who are put through the justice system for criminality will be released back into society, a purely retributive system fails to deal with some of the underlying issues that may prevent further need to deal with that person. Thus perhaps lessening the havoc they may cause in their communities and families and the general citizenry.

Answer 3

Liberals tend to blame the victim and wring their hands wondering how society has failed the perpetrator. As someone who has quite a degree of hands on experience with inmates, the main reason they perpetrate crimes is the belief they can get away with it.

It has very little to do with their education level, degree of poverty or anything else. It has a lot to do with a lack of character since there is no character development done in their youth.

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