Which of the following is an example of general deterrence?

General deterrence refers to the prevention of crime by making an example of those who are punished for their criminal actions, thereby discouraging the public at large from committing similar offenses. The observed penalties or punishments faced by one individual serve to instill a fear of similar consequences in others, thereby reducing the likelihood of crime in the broader community.

In this case, the scenario illustrates general deterrence effectively, as it highlights how an observer—who may not be directly involved—changes their behavior based on seeing the penalties that others face for crime. This concept is central to theories of deterrence, suggesting that if potential offenders understand the risks and repercussions associated with criminal activity, they are less likely to engage in such behavior.

The other scenarios provided do not reflect general deterrence because they focus on individual responses to crime rather than societal reactions to deterrent measures. For example, the decision of an offender to stop committing crimes after serving time speaks to specific deterrence—it pertains to the impact of punishment on the individual rather than the community. Similarly, a judge offering rehabilitation is not about deterring the general public; it focuses on reforming a specific individual's behavior. Lastly, having a criminal stop offending after multiple arrests is also about specific deterrence, as it involves