What are the advantages of deterrence punishment?

Answer 1

The argued advantages of deterrence is the idea of a short sharp shock; using a disproportionate punishment could deter future offending. There is also the utilitarian argument by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill that the suffering of one may prevent the suffering of many, or could bring about pleasure to many (see theories on Utilitarianism and Hedonism).

However, the disadvantages/criticisms definitely outweight the advantages. There is an argument on disproportionality held by those who support retributive punishment in that the punishment should befit the crime; deterrence tends to be more severe. Also - in practice - it does not deter criminals due to reoffending rates; some evidence shows people are more likely to reoffend if they receive a detterent sentence. There are the ethical arguments on using prisoners in order to send some sort of message to others. Other methods are seen as more effective, such as rehabilitation (reform).

Answer 2

it means that people will think twice before committing a crime and that less people will commit the crime because they know the consequences