What is the term for punishment that discourages future crimes by the punished individual and by others who observe the sanction?

• A. Deterrence
• B. Rehabilitation
• C. Incapacitation
• D. Retribution

Answer: (A)

Deterrence is the punishment concept designed to discourage future crimes by the punished individual and by others who observe the sanction. It works on two levels: specific deterrence targets the offender themselves, making them less likely to commit again; general deterrence aims to send a message to society at large that crime has consequences, shaping others’ choices. This dual aim matches the description of reducing future wrongdoing both personally and socially. Rehabilitation tries to reform the offender, not primarily to deter others. Incapacitation removes the offender from society to prevent crime, focusing on control rather than deterrence. Retribution emphasizes punishment as deserved justice, with less emphasis on future crime prevention.