What term refers to a government approach that aims for punishment in relation to the crime's impact?

The term that refers to a government approach aiming for punishment in relation to the crime's impact is proportional punishment. This concept is centered around the idea that the severity of the punishment should correspond directly to the harm caused by the crime. It emphasizes fairness and ensures that offenders are punished in a manner that is reflective of the offense committed, thus striving for a balanced and just response to criminal behavior.

Proportional punishment seeks to create a system where the consequences of criminal actions are proportionate to their severity, which can deter future criminal behavior and uphold societal values. It is a key principle in many legal systems, promoting the notion that the criminal justice process should serve not only to punish but also to achieve a sense of justice for victims and society as a whole.

In contrast, other concepts like equitable justice or restorative justice focus on different aspects, such as repairing harm or ensuring fairness in treatment, which do not specifically emphasize the proportional relationship between crime and punishment. Community service, while a form of punishment, does not inherently relate to the severity of the crime in the same way as proportional punishment does.