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Why do we want to punish repeat offenders so harshly?

Posted on October 10, 2008

Do you think repeat offenders should be punished more harshly than first-time offenders for the same crime? Does it make any difference if I make it clear that the specific hypothetical crime in question has caused the same harm in each case. If you still think the repeat offender should be punished more harshly, you're not alone. In fact this approach to justice is written into law in many countries. First time offenders can expect leniency whereas repeat offenders can expect severe punishment.Why is it our moral intuition to take this stance? Dorit Kliemann and colleagues have tested the ide...

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