Deterrence theory

Deterrence theory is like a lesson you learn at school. It's like your teacher telling you what will happen if you don't do what you're supposed to. Deterrence theory says that if someone does something bad, then there should be a punishment for them so that other people won't do the same thing. This punishment should be bad enough that it will make people think twice before doing something bad. So, if someone sees someone else getting punished for doing something wrong, they will be less likely to do it too.