General Deterrence
/ˈdʒɛnərəl dɪˈtɜːrəns/
Definitions
- (n.) A theory in criminal law aimed at discouraging the public from committing offenses by making an example of punished wrongdoers.
General deterrence seeks to prevent crime by promoting the fear of punishment among society at large.
Forms
- general deterrence
Related terms
See also
Commentary
General deterrence focuses on the societal impact of punishment rather than on the individual offender, often guiding sentencing policy to achieve broader crime reduction.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.