Denunciation (penology)

Denunciation in the context of sentencing philosophy, refers to society’s expression of disapproval of an act through the imposition of punishment. The purpose of denunciation is not to punish the offender directly, but to signal to law-abiding citizens that the behavior in question is unacceptable. In this respect, it has been argued that "punishment is not like a private letter; it is like a billboard put up on a busy street… it is also meant for the victim of crime and for the public at large”. Denunciation is one of five different objectives that punishment is thought to achieve; the other four objectives are deterrence, incapacitation (for the protection of society), retribution and rehabilitation.

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