"Thou art to be hanged not for having stolen a horse, but in order that other horses may not be stolen.” This is the theme of

Deterrent Theory Of Punishment The term deterrent, comes from the word deter which aims at preventing criminals or individuals from committing the offence of any crime. This keeps in mind that an individuals probability of committing any crime is future is lowered and it will generate a fear in their minds so that they are aware of the consequences of their criminal act. The idea of Deterrent theory of punishment is a Utopian idea. This can be understood in the words of Dr. Bernett J, who said: Thou art to be hanged not for having stolen a horse, but in order that other horses may not be stolen . This mean that deterrent theory of punishment aims not only at punishing a criminal but ensuring that the same kind of act is not repeated again in the future.