Deterrence includes which forms?

Deterrence includes which forms?

• A. General deterrence and specific deterrence
• B. Only general deterrence
• C. Only specific deterrence
• D. Neither

Answer: (A)

Deterrence in sentencing has two forms: general deterrence and specific deterrence. General deterrence aims to discourage crime across the wider community by making an example of punishment—showing people that illegal behavior carries costs. Specific deterrence targets the individual offender, aiming to prevent them from reoffending by imposing penalties that influence their future choices. Both aims are part of deterrence, because effective sentencing looks to reduce crime by signaling costs to others and by reducing the offender’s own incentives to commit further crimes. That’s why it’s not limited to one form or to neither—deterrence encompasses both general and specific.

Deterrence in sentencing has two forms: general deterrence and specific deterrence. General deterrence aims to discourage crime across the wider community by making an example of punishment—showing people that illegal behavior carries costs. Specific deterrence targets the individual offender, aiming to prevent them from reoffending by imposing penalties that influence their future choices.

Both aims are part of deterrence, because effective sentencing looks to reduce crime by signaling costs to others and by reducing the offender’s own incentives to commit further crimes. That’s why it’s not limited to one form or to neither—deterrence encompasses both general and specific.