What is described as a sentence that aims to deter future criminal acts?

The correct answer refers to the concept of deterrence, which is a fundamental principle in the criminal justice system aimed at discouraging individuals from engaging in criminal behavior. Deterrence serves both specific and general purposes. Specific deterrence targets individuals who have committed a crime, aiming to prevent them from repeating the act by imposing penalties or sanctions. General deterrence, on the other hand, seeks to discourage the broader public from committing crimes by demonstrating the consequences that result from criminal behavior.

In the context of criminal justice, effective deterrence is thought to provide a clear message that crime does not pay and that the consequences of illegal activities will outweigh any potential benefits. By emphasizing the negative outcomes of committing a crime, the justice system seeks to instill fear of legal repercussions in both offenders and potential offenders.

While rehabilitation, punitiveness, and restorative justice are all relevant concepts in the study of criminal justice, they focus on different aspects of the system, such as reforming offenders, imposing punishment, or healing relationships between the offender and victims, respectively. However, deterrence specifically centers on preventing future crimes through the threat of punishment, making it the most accurate choice in this context.