A criminal case that recently occurred in your city or state

Definition: Discouraging crime through fear of consequences.
Types:
- General deterrence (scaring the public).
- Specific deterrence (scaring the offender).
Example: Harsh penalties for drunk driving reduce repeat offenses.
Definition: Reforming offenders through education, therapy, or job training.
Goal: Address root causes (e.g., addiction, poverty).
Example: Drug courts offering treatment instead of jail.
Definition: Physically preventing reoffending (e.g., imprisonment).
Methods:
- Imprisonment (removes freedom).
- Death penalty (permanent removal).
Example: Serial killers imprisoned for life.
Definition: Punishment as moral justice (e.g., "just deserts").
Philosophy: Offenders "pay" for their crimes.
Example: Mandatory minimum sentences for violent crimes.

Addresses Root Causes

Many crimes stem from mental illness, poverty, or trauma.
Example: Norway’s focus on rehab reduced recidivism to 20% (vs. 50%+ in the U.S.).

Sample Answer

Criminal law serves four primary purposes in society:

Maintaining Social Order
- Establishes rules to prevent chaos (e.g., laws against violence).
Deterring Crime
- Uses punishment to discourage unlawful behavior.
Rehabilitating Offenders
- Helps reintegrate individuals into society.
Incapacitating Dangerous Individuals
- Removes threats (e.g., imprisonment).
Providing Retribution
- Gives victims a sense of justice ("an eye for an eye").