What does general deterrence aim to achieve in criminal behavior modification?

General deterrence primarily focuses on preventing future crimes by influencing the behavior of potential offenders through the threat of punishment. The underlying principle is that when individuals observe the consequences faced by those who have committed crimes, they will be discouraged from engaging in similar behavior themselves. This theory operates on the assumption that if people believe that they will face swift and certain penalties for criminal actions, they are less likely to act on criminal impulses.

By specifically targeting the broader population rather than the individual offenders, general deterrence aims to create a general sense of caution regarding criminal conduct. Its effectiveness is often linked to public awareness of the repercussions of crime, thereby leading to a societal milieu where illegal activities are perceived as having significant risks, thereby contributing to crime reduction overall.

This concept contrasts with rehabilitation, which focuses on transforming the offender's behavior and mindset; reducing incarceration rates, which may reflect shifts in policy rather than a direct influence on criminal behavior; and increasing public safety, which is a broader outcome that can be influenced by multiple factors beyond deterrence.