ABSTRACT
The ‘ends of punishment’ are discussed – both the purposes set for punishments and the possibility of a punishment coming to an end. Since the purpose of so many punishments is unclear, it is hard to determine when it has been achieved. And even when a sentence has been served, its consequences can be far-reaching, leaving some individuals with a sense that the punishment never ends. This is considered especially for those leaving prison, who continue to encounter suspicion and discrimination that not only represents an injustice but defers or altogether blocks their attempts to live law-abiding lives. Referring once again to the emotions of punishment, while anger may be assuaged by the serving of a sentence, fear and disdain or even disgust often remain. The concepts of social and moral rehabilitation are discussed, the term reconciliation being preferred because it draws attention to the obligations of a community towards those of its members who have been punished and does not simply emphasise the need for them to change. Social reconciliation should involve active and considered attempts to enable fair access to opportunities and resources to match individuals’ efforts to desist.
