§ 22. Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he makes of deterrence as a factor in punishment for crime.
§ Mr. MayhewDeterrence is accepted as one of the fundamental purposes of sentencing. It is, however, for the courts to decide how the principle of deterrence should be reflected in individual sentencing decisions in all the circumstances of each case. It is inherently difficult to measure the deterrent effect of sentencing, particularly in relation to those who do not offend.