What is the primary focus of general deterrence?

The primary focus of general deterrence is on public punishment to prevent crime. This concept operates under the premise that the punishment of a crime serves as a warning to society at large, discouraging not just the individual punished but also others from engaging in similar conduct. By imposing visible and often harsh penalties for specific offenses, the legal system aims to create a fear of consequences that serves as a preventive measure for potential future offenders.

In this view, the effectiveness of general deterrence relies heavily on the perception that the legal system will respond to criminal behavior with appropriate punishment, thereby fostering a societal awareness that crime does not pay. This approach is foundational in criminal justice, as it seeks to reduce overall crime rates through the fear of punishment rather than focusing solely on the rehabilitation of individual offenders or simply increasing prison sentences without regard to their deterrent effect.