Legal Definitions - just deserts

Definition: Just deserts refers to the punishment that a person deserves for having committed a crime.

For example, if someone steals from a store, their just deserts would be to pay a fine or serve time in jail. Similarly, if someone commits a violent crime, their just deserts may be a longer prison sentence or even the death penalty.

These examples illustrate the concept of just deserts because they show that a person should receive a punishment that fits the severity of their crime. It is important for justice to be served in this way to deter others from committing similar crimes and to ensure that victims receive the justice they deserve.