Which principle emphasizes the need for treating every individual equally in a custodial setting?

The principle that emphasizes the need for treating every individual equally in a custodial setting is equal treatment. This principle is fundamental to maintaining fairness and impartiality within the justice system, particularly in correctional facilities. It ensures that all individuals, regardless of their background, status, or circumstances, receive the same standards of care, rights, and opportunities while incarcerated.

Equal treatment in a custodial environment helps to uphold the dignity of individuals and fosters a sense of justice. It mitigates discrimination and bias, ensuring that policies and practices are applied uniformly to everyone. This promotes safety and prevents conflicts that may arise from perceived inequality or preferential treatment. By focusing on equal treatment, correctional facilities can contribute to rehabilitation and social reintegration, ultimately enhancing public safety.

In contrast, the other principles—discretionary justice, restorative justice, and retributive justice—do not specifically address the aspect of treating every individual equally. Discretionary justice involves the flexible use of judgment by authorities, which may not always lead to equal treatment. Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm and restoring relationships rather than on equal treatment among individuals. Retributive justice emphasizes punishment for wrongdoing, which can often lead to uneven treatment based on the nature of the crime rather than equitable treatment