Legal Definitions - deterrence

Definition: Deterrence is the act of preventing certain behavior, especially by creating fear of punishment. In criminal law, it aims to prevent criminal behavior by making people afraid of the consequences. It is different from rehabilitation, which focuses on helping offenders change their behavior, and retribution, which seeks to punish offenders for their wrongdoing.

Examples:

• General deterrence: The goal of criminal law is to discourage people from committing crimes. For example, if someone knows that they will go to jail for stealing, they may be less likely to do it.
• Special deterrence: The goal of a specific conviction and sentence is to dissuade the offender from committing crimes in the future. For example, if someone is caught driving under the influence and is given a heavy fine and license suspension, they may be less likely to do it again.

The examples illustrate how deterrence works in criminal law. By making people afraid of the consequences of their actions, they are less likely to engage in criminal behavior. This can help to reduce crime rates and make society safer.