Incapacitation

Definition of Incapacitation

The Canada social science dictionary [1] provides the following meaning of Incapacitation: A philosophy of incarceration that argues that some offenders might have to be incarcerated not for what they have done but to prevent future harm to the community. This depends on the community’s ability to identify those that might re-offend. Some also argue that it is unfair to punish people for what they might do, rather than for what they have done. Selective incapacitation is provided for under dangerous offender legislation.

Incapacitation: Resources

Notes and References

• Drislane, R., & Parkinson, G. (2016). (Concept of) Incapacitation. Online dictionary of the social sciences. Open University of Canada