What is a key goal of specific deterrence?

Specific deterrence focuses on preventing an individual from committing future crimes. The underlying principle is to ensure that the individual offender recognizes the consequences of their actions and is discouraged from engaging in further criminal behavior as a result of their prior experience with the legal system. This approach targets the behavior of the specific offender rather than the general population, aiming to instill a personal fear of further punishment.

The effectiveness of specific deterrence hinges on the belief that the experience of punishment (such as incarceration, fines, or other legal consequences) will lead the individual to think twice before reoffending. This idea is central to the philosophy behind sentencing, where judges may impose sentences not only to punish the offender but also to serve as a lesson that dissuades them from future criminal acts.

In contrast, other options emphasize different aspects of the justice system. Public punishment, for instance, may serve various societal purposes, but it does not specifically target individual deterrence. Rehabilitation focuses on reforming the offender rather than directly discouraging future crimes. Assessing the severity of a crime relates more to the legal process of determining appropriate sentencing rather than the deterrent effects on an individual’s future behavior.