Principle of proportionality

The principle of proportionality is a guideline used in law and decision-making to ensure that actions or measures taken are appropriate to the situation. It means that the response or penalty should not be excessive relative to the severity of the issue. For example, if someone commits a minor offense, the punishment should be proportionate and not overly harsh. This principle aims to balance fairness, justice, and effectiveness by matching actions to the circumstances, preventing overly severe or insufficient responses.