What is one purpose of confinement within the corrections system?

One purpose of confinement within the corrections system is to deter individuals from committing crimes. Deterrence serves as a fundamental rationale for the existence of correctional facilities, aiming to reduce crime rates by creating a consequence for unlawful behavior. The idea is that the threat of being confined or actually serving time in a correctional facility may discourage individuals from engaging in criminal activities, not just the ones currently in confinement, but also those who are aware of the penalties that could be faced.

While isolation, reduced staff interaction, and rehabilitation are parts of the correctional environment, they do not encapsulate the overarching goal of deterring crime in a broader sense. Isolation might be a temporary effect of confinement, but it is not its primary purpose. Similarly, while staff interaction can vary, the presence or absence of such interactions is not a primary goal of confinement. Lastly, while rehabilitation is an important aspect of corrections, it is not the exclusive purpose of confinement; deterrence is considered a foundational element for maintaining order and discouraging criminal activity within society.