Which term describes a focus on punishment rather than rehabilitation?

The term that specifically describes a focus on punishment rather than rehabilitation is "punitive." This concept refers to approaches within the legal and criminal justice system that prioritize the infliction of penalties on offenders for their wrongdoings, rather than focusing on rehabilitation or reintegration into society. A punitive approach is often characterized by harsh sentencing and the intention to deter future crimes through the imposition of severe consequences.

In contrast, other terms like probable cause and due process relate to legal principles concerning the rights of individuals within the judicial system, focusing on ensuring fair treatment and the requirements for legal proceedings. Indictment refers to the formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, which is part of the legal process but does not imply a specific attitude toward punishment versus rehabilitation. Therefore, "punitive" is the term that distinctly captures the strategy of prioritizing punishment.