The document discusses the goals of criminal sentencing within the US judicial system. It outlines the main goals as retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation. Retribution aims to justly punish criminal acts, while deterrence seeks to discourage criminal behavior through threats of punishment. Incapacitation aims to prevent future crimes by keeping offenders imprisoned. Rehabilitation programs try to reform offenders and help them reintegrate as law-abiding citizens. The document notes there are ongoing debates around balancing these competing goals in sentencing policies.