What strategy entails preventing future crimes through the fear of punishment?

The strategy that focuses on preventing future crimes through the fear of punishment is centered on deterrence. This concept is based on the idea that if potential offenders believe that the consequences of committing a crime will be severe and certain, they are less likely to engage in criminal behavior. Deterrence encompasses both general deterrence, which aims to dissuade the public at large from committing crimes by establishing punishments, and specific deterrence, which focuses on preventing an individual offender from reoffending by imposing penalties.

In the context of criminal justice, deterrence seeks to create a psychological effect where the fear of punishment serves as a motivator for individuals to abide by the law. This strategy is integral to maintaining order and promoting societal safety, as it emphasizes the importance of visible and enforceable consequences for unlawful actions. By instilling the fear of punishment, the system aims to reduce incidents of crime proactively.