Criminal law serves to deter crime from "summary" of Economic Analysis of Law by Richard A. Posner
The primary aim of criminal law is to discourage individuals from engaging in illegal activities. By imposing penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or community service, the law seeks to dissuade potential wrongdoers from committing crimes. This deterrent effect is based on the assumption that individuals are rational actors who weigh the potential costs and benefits of their actions. If the expected costs of committing a crime exceed the potential benefits, individuals are less likely to engage in criminal behavior. The concept of deterrence is central to the economic analysis of law. Economists argue that individuals respond to incentives, including the threat of punishment for illegal actions. Therefore, by increasing the severity of penalties or improving the likelihood of apprehension, policymakers can reduce the incidence of crime. This approach is based on the premise that individuals are motivated by self-interest and will adjust their behavior in response to changes in the legal envir...
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