The idea that the those who commit criminal offenses should be "taught" or "conformed" into standard society. In other words, offenders should be rehabilitated and released back out into society.
It's counterpart is "Incapacitation", which is the idea that offenders should be removed from society, period.
Due to the high cost of repeated offenders most states try to give juvenile offenders vocational and employment training. These programs have proven to produce at least 50% success rate for these young offenders which makes us wonder if rehabilitation is really worth it or not.
There are approximately 1,300 juvenile detention centers and youth correctional facilities in the United States. These facilities are used to detain and rehabilitate young offenders who have been involved in criminal activities.
Lindsey Lohan is trying to rehabilitate herself.
Rehabilitation
After the accident I need to rest and rehabilitate my broken leg.
Supposedly to rehabilitate convicted offenders and have them "see" the error of their ways. Partly as retribution and punishment - but even more importantly - while they're in jail/prison they aren't committing any more crimes against innocent citizens.
The city workers will rehabilitate the dilapidated building.
If someone breaks the law, they should receive a punishment that is proportional to the crime. Additionally, if there is any way to rehabilitate a person outside of the penal system, it would be preferable to sending non-violent offenders to jail.
rehabilitate
purify
rehabilitation :]
Synonyms for the word rehabilitate include fix up, improve, mend, rebuild, reclaim, or reconstruct. Antonyms of the word rehabilitate include break, damage, decline, destroy, or weaken.