Which perspective argues that each criminal act must be treated independently and that punishment should be proportional to the crime?

The equal justice perspective emphasizes the importance of treating each criminal act as a distinct event that warrants its own evaluation and consequences. This perspective advocates for fairness in the justice system, asserting that similar crimes should receive similar punishments regardless of the individual's background or other factors. The principle of proportionality under this view ensures that the severity of punishment corresponds directly to the severity of the crime committed.

This perspective aims to uphold equality before the law, meaning that everyone should be subject to the same legal standards and outcomes. It seeks to eliminate biases that might arise from social, cultural, or economic factors, thereby promoting a fairer justice system.

Other perspectives, such as restorative justice, focus more on repairing harm and reconciling relationships, rather than strictly on punishment. The cultural perspective tends to analyze how societal norms and values influence crime and justice, while the rehabilitation perspective centers on reforming offenders to prevent future offenses rather than strictly focusing on punishment.