crime deterrence

Crime deterrence refers to strategies aimed at discouraging individuals from committing illegal acts by highlighting potential consequences. It operates through two main types: general deterrence, which aims to discourage the public from offending by enforcing visible punishments, and specific deterrence, which focuses on preventing an individual offender from repeating crimes through their personal experience of consequences. Effective deterrence relies on laws being applied consistently, punishments being certain, and the severity of penalties being proportionate, creating a clear and credible link between illegal behavior and consequences, thus reducing the likelihood of crime.