PHIL 303 Crime and Punishment

The course investigates the criminal justice system and the limits of state coercion. May the state coerce persons only to prevent some persons from harming others? May it do so to protect persons from harming themselves or to protect society's moral fabric? The class will then examine the justification of punishment. Is punishment justified because it reforms offenders, because offenders deserve punishment, or because punishment deters other potential defenders? Finally, the class explores contemporary moral issues such as whether the state should criminalize recreational drug use, hate crimes, or blackmail.

Credits

3

Offered

Every other year