proportionate punishment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proportionate punishment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a punishment that is appropriate in relation to the severity of an offense. For example, "The judge issued a proportionate punishment for the crime, which included a fine and community service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Not all fouls in the box are serious enough for a penalty to be a proportionate punishment.

The Guardian - Sport

Gradually there arose the idea of proportionate punishment, such as was reflected in the biblical dictum "an eye for an eye" (see talion).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Kevin just tries to push him away; it is not a slap or a punch," said Martínez, arguing a caution was a proportionate punishment.

The Guardian - Sport

For whether going to hell amounts to a freely chosen rejection of God's grace (libertarianism) or a proportionate punishment for just such a rejection (retributivism), a full-blooded understanding of what exactly God is would require the acumen of a philosopher (or philosopher-theologian).

The New York Times

We may agree with John Kerry, the US secretary of state, that the use of gas is a "moral obscenity", but would we not feel that "a measured and proportionate punishment", like striking at some missile sites or helicopter bases, is like telling the regime that "you can go on with your war but do stay away from the chemical weapons"?

The Guardian - Opinion

But if actual detention matters for proportionate sentencing in the pre-trial context, it must matter as well for the post-sentence context, and this would make it effectively impossible to pursue both proportionate punishment and post-sentence detention.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Instead, she said, "the focus is more about disparity" and whether government is being proportionate in punishment.

The New York Times

A punishment proportionate to the crime and consistent with other accused hackers in the UK, including those accused of hacking into the Pentagon.

Independent

The underlying aim of The Sentencing Council's new guideline for drug offences in England and Wales is to ensure sentences are consistent and the punishment proportionate.

The Guardian

Cameron's speech is being billed as "tough, but intelligent", with the prime minister expected to argue that "the primary, proper response to crime … is punishment – proportionate, meaningful punishment", but the prime minister will also argue that "prevention is the cheapest and most effective way to deal with crime".

The Guardian

The function of the criminal justice system is "to ascertain the facts according to the evidence and to assign punishment proportionate to the crime for the sake of protecting the public," she says.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "proportionate punishment" when arguing for a fair and just legal system, emphasizing the importance of balancing the severity of the crime with the severity of the consequence.

Common error

Avoid assuming that what constitutes a "proportionate punishment" is universally agreed upon. Cultural, societal, and individual perspectives can greatly influence perceptions of fairness. Acknowledge these differences when discussing this concept.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proportionate punishment" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "proportionate" modifies the noun "punishment". It describes a type of penalty that is appropriately balanced with the severity of the offense. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "proportionate punishment" is used to describe a penalty that is fair and appropriate in relation to the severity of the crime. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's a common phrase found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, and conveys the idea that the severity of a punishment should match the seriousness of the offense. Common alternatives include "just penalty", "fair consequence", and "commensurate penalty". When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and ensure that your understanding of what constitutes a "proportionate punishment" is clearly defined and acknowledges differing perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deserved punishment

Emphasizes that the punishment is earned and justified.

commensurate penalty

Emphasizes that the penalty is of equal measure or extent to the offense.

fitting penalty

Suggests that the penalty is well-suited and appropriate.

just penalty

Focuses on the fairness and moral rightness of the penalty.

appropriate sanction

Indicates that the sanction is suitable and fitting for the infraction.

fair consequence

Highlights the impartiality and reasonableness of the outcome.

reasonable sanction

Focuses on the rationality and justification of the sanction.

equitable consequence

Highlights the equality and fairness in the resulting outcome.

balanced consequence

Highlights the equilibrium and fairness of the consequence.

deserved retribution

Stresses the idea that the punishment is warranted and earned by the action.

FAQs

How can I use "proportionate punishment" in a sentence?

You can use "proportionate punishment" to describe a penalty that is fair and appropriate for the crime committed. For example, "The judge believed the sentence was a "proportionate punishment" for the defendant's actions".

What is an alternative to saying "proportionate punishment"?

Alternatives to "proportionate punishment" include "just penalty", "fair consequence", or "commensurate penalty". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What factors determine a "proportionate punishment"?

Determining a "proportionate punishment" involves considering the severity of the crime, the intent of the offender, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances. The goal is to ensure the punishment is just and equitable.

Why is it important to have "proportionate punishment" in a legal system?

Having "proportionate punishment" is crucial for maintaining public trust in the legal system, deterring crime, and ensuring that offenders are held accountable without being subjected to excessive or unfair penalties. It promotes fairness and justice for all parties involved.