DETERRENCE
deterrence,n. The act or process of discouraging certain behavior, particularly by fear; esp., as
a goal of criminal law, the prevention of criminal behavior by fear of punishment. Cf.
REHABILITATION(1); RETRIBUTION (1). [Cases: Sentencing and Punishment 41.] —
deter,vb. — deterrent,adj.
general deterrence.A goal of criminal law generally, or of a specific conviction and sentence,
to discourage people from committing crimes.
special deterrence.A goal of a specific conviction and sentence to dissuade the offender from
committing crimes in the future. [Blacks Law 8th]