Why is confinement seen as a form of punishment?

Confinement is recognized as a form of punishment primarily because it denies individuals their liberty and separates them from their communities. When a person is confined, they lose access to their normal living environment, social networks, and the daily activities that contribute to their sense of identity and well-being. This separation serves not only as a punishment for the offense committed but also as a deterrent to discourage others from engaging in similar behavior.

The psychological and social impacts of confinement can reinforce the punitive aspect, as individuals may experience feelings of isolation, loss, and regret. Additionally, by removing individuals from their communities, confinement emphasizes society’s disapproval of their actions, which aligns with the goals of punishment in the criminal justice system. The objective here is twofold: to punish the offender and to protect the community from further criminal behavior during the period of confinement.