What is meant by "specific deterrence" in the context of punishment?

Specific deterrence refers to a form of punishment aimed at preventing a particular individual from committing further offenses. This concept is rooted in the idea that by experiencing a consequence for their actions, the individual will be less likely to engage in similar behavior in the future. The focus is on the individual offender, with the goal of altering their future decisions through the effects of the punishment they have received.

For example, if an individual is sentenced to prison for theft, the experience of imprisonment is meant to dissuade them from stealing again. The underlying assumption is that the deterrent effect is specific to that person, as they have firsthand experience of the repercussions of their actions.

In contrast, other concepts such as societal deterrence or general deterrence focus on broader implications. General deterrence aims to discourage the wider public from committing crimes by demonstrating consequences, while societal deterrence serves as a warning to all members of society about the repercussions of criminal behavior. Thus, while these terms share a common theme of discouraging criminal behavior, specific deterrence is uniquely centered on the individual’s experiences and future choices.