What term describes preventing crime by threatening punishment?

• A. Deterrence
• B. Punishment
• C. Legal realism
• D. Legal formalism

Answer: (A)

Deterrence is the idea that crime can be prevented by threatening punishment. Potential offenders weigh the costs and benefits before acting, so when punishment is certain, swift, and reasonably likely, the perceived cost of committing a crime rises and many people are discouraged from offending. This preventive effect can be general—where the punishment of one person serves to deter others—and specific—where the punished individual is discouraged from reoffending. In contrast, punishment refers to applying penalties after a crime has occurred and is a response rather than a preventive threat. Legal realism and legal formalism are theories about how law is interpreted and applied, not about preventing crime through punishment. So the term that best fits the description is deterrence.