Legal Definitions - deterrent punishment

Deterrent punishment is a type of punishment that is intended to discourage the offender and others from committing crimes. It is also meant to serve as an example to others so that they are warned of the consequences of committing a crime.

For example, if someone is caught stealing and is given a harsh punishment, such as a long prison sentence, it is meant to deter them from committing the same crime again. It is also meant to deter others from committing the same crime because they see the harsh punishment that was given to the offender.

Another example of deterrent punishment is when a company is fined for violating safety regulations. The fine is meant to deter the company from violating the regulations again and to serve as an example to other companies so that they do not violate the regulations either.