retributionist

Noun

retributionist (plural retributionists)

1. One who holds that there must be retribution (vengeance, punishment) for transgressions.
   • The retributionist says — I quote from Sir James F. Stephen — ‘The criminal law proceeds upon the principle that it is morally right to hate criminals, and it confirms and justifies that sentiment by inflicting upon criminals punishments which express it.’1893 October, “New Ways With Old Offenders”, in The Nineteenth Century, volume 34, page 625
   • I am—among other things which don't concern us now—a private retributionist. On every side people are becoming far too careless and negligent. An era of irresponsibility has set in.1923, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], “(please specify the page)”, in The Eyes of Max Carrados, London: Grant Richards, →OCLC