This chapter examines why people support harsh punishments and how punitive attitudes are formed. It explains the psychological factors underlying punitiveness and discusses the main functions of punishment—deterrence, social regulation, and retribution—as reflected in individual decision-making and public discourse. Drawing on psychological theories and empirical research, the chapter shows that although preventive or rehabilitative goals are often declared, dominant motivations are frequently driven by emotional retribution, anger, and expectations of ‘just deserts’. It also highlights the prevalence of authoritarian attitudes in Lithuanian society, the influence of historical experiences (such as the Soviet regime or violent upbringing), and social factors that are associated with punitiveness. Finally, the chapter addresses public scepticism towards alternatives such as restorative justice or halfway houses, particularly in cases of serious crime, noting that low institutional trust and persistent misconceptions about the effectiveness of harsher penalties hinder the acceptance of evidence-based punishment strategies.