I think this claim is either tautological or false. The tautological sense is that almost any goal, including abstract justice or state-sponsored retribution, can be viewed as ultimately contributing to a healthy society, thus protecting people. I would be surprised to find many advocates for any criminal-justice policy admit that the long-run consequences of their policy are bad.
If you take a narrow view of protection, then the claim is false. Advocates of some current or proposed US criminal justice policy often make arguments that leave the connection to “protection” fairly vague. To pick one example that’s been in the news lately, let’s look at capital punishment. I don’t normally hear death penalty supporters talk about protecting society from the person sentenced to execution. They are usually interested in the abstract symbolism or “morality play” aspect of a bad person being punished for their wrongdoing. And you might think the social consequences of this spectacle are worthwhile, but it doesn’t see to be about “protection”, narrowly understood.
I think this claim is either tautological or false. The tautological sense is that almost any goal, including abstract justice or state-sponsored retribution, can be viewed as ultimately contributing to a healthy society, thus protecting people. I would be surprised to find many advocates for any criminal-justice policy admit that the long-run consequences of their policy are bad.
If you take a narrow view of protection, then the claim is false. Advocates of some current or proposed US criminal justice policy often make arguments that leave the connection to “protection” fairly vague. To pick one example that’s been in the news lately, let’s look at capital punishment. I don’t normally hear death penalty supporters talk about protecting society from the person sentenced to execution. They are usually interested in the abstract symbolism or “morality play” aspect of a bad person being punished for their wrongdoing. And you might think the social consequences of this spectacle are worthwhile, but it doesn’t see to be about “protection”, narrowly understood.