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How did Jeremy Bentham explain the purpose of punishment?

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Jeremy Bentham: auto-icon — Utilitarianism English philosopher and economist Jeremy Bentham's preserved skeleton in his own clothes and surmounted by a wax head, at University College London.

Jeremy Bentham, the founder of modern utilitarianism, viewed the purpose of punishment through the lens of his core ethical principle: the promotion of the greatest happiness for the greatest number.12

Because Bentham recognized that all punishment inherently involves the infliction of pain—which is itself an evil—he argued that it should only be employed when it promises to prevent a greater evil. Consequently, he maintained that the primary objective of criminal law is the prevention of crime.13

Rather than focusing on retribution or the expiation of moral guilt, Bentham’s utilitarian approach emphasizes the pragmatic benefits of punishment, specifically its role in deterring criminal behavior. By applying his principle of utility, he sought to create a rational system of legislation where sanctions serve as a necessary tool to minimize overall suffering and maximize social well-being.4315