What term refers to the study of punishment?

The term that refers specifically to the study of punishment is "penology." This field examines the theories and practices related to the punishment of offenders, focusing on the effectiveness and implications of various forms of punishment, such as incarceration, rehabilitation, and community service. Penology seeks to understand how different methods of punishment affect both the individual being punished and society as a whole.

Criminology, while related, deals more broadly with the study of crime, criminal behavior, and the societal response to crime. Forensics is concerned with the application of scientific methods and techniques for the investigation of crime, including the collection and analysis of physical evidence. Law enforcement focuses on the agencies and individuals involved in the prevention, detection, and investigation of crime. Each of these related fields has a distinct focus, making penology the correct choice for the study of punishment specifically.