Reformation
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
criminal law, the act of bringing back a criminal to such a sense of justice, so that he may live in society without any detriment to it. The object of the criminal law ought to be to reform the criminal, while it protects society by his punishment. One of the best attempts at reformation is the plan of solitary confinement in a penitentiary. While the convict has time to reflect, he cannot be injured by evil oenre or corrupt communication.