Criminal JusticeAccording to Mishra (2016), the four theories of punishment include reformative, retributive, preventive and deterrent theory. The difference between these theories lies in the purpose of the deterrent theory which serves as a form of punishment for wrongdoers to deter them from future violations of the law. The theory imposes punishment accordingly for the wrongdoers. In the preventive theory, the punishment imposed on the guilty includes death, life imprisonment and hard labor. Many criminologists support this theory which allows people to refrain from committing a crime because of its consequences. Reformatory theory, on the other hand, aims to shape the conduct of perpetrators (Mishra, 2016). This theory is favored by many criminologists who argue that crime is not an innate trait and that no one is born a criminal. There are several factors that push an individual to commit a crime, including poverty and other social factors (Mishra, 2016). It is widely disputed that if criminals are educated, they can behave like normal members of society. Reformatory theory can be used to shape the behaviors of young offenders. The retributive theory aims to subject the guilty person to a lot of pain and suffering. Most criminologists do not support this theory because it subjects the accused to many inhumane acts. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essayDespite the difference that exists between the four theories of punishment, these theories also have various similarities. They all share the same objective: to punish wrongdoers (Mishra, 2016). The strategies employed by each theory aim to shape offenders' behaviors while warning others of similar consequences if they commit a crime. The rules of these theories may differ but the objectives are similar, namely to impose punishment based on the nature of the crime committed (Mishra, 2016). All theories aim to stop people from committing a crime just before they commit it. To effectively combat crime, it is important to propose preventative measures rather than proposing a solution. Although these theories seem effective if integrated, it would be difficult to use all of them because most of them focus on different forms of punishment rather than early intervention measures. Educational programs within prisons can serve as rehabilitation for inmates. This fact is supported by the reformative theory of punishment, which states that if criminals are educated, their behaviors can be shaped and they might refrain from committing crimes (Mishra, 2016). The Sentencing Administration Act supports the creation of correctional facilities where criminals have the right to access resources and educational programs (Swain & Rice, 2009). It is clear that most criminals commit crimes due to poverty, unemployment and illiteracy. Educational programs have the ability to shape the behaviors of criminals, enabling them to become responsible members of society (Swain and Rice, 2009). The prison environment can be further improved by introducing educational programs. According to researchers, the prison environment can be transformed through educational programs into a supportive environment that shapes inmates' behaviors (Benson, 2003). Educational programs would help to transform inmates into professionals whose conduct would be guided by ethics acceptable in society. These programs..