Fines and their specific purposes

Question 1

What is a fine

Answer 1

A fine is a sanction that requires the offender to pay an amount of money to the state.

Question 2

How can a fine be imposed

Answer 2

• A fine can be imposed as the only sanction but it can also be imposed with other sanctions
• Can be imposed with or without a conviction
• The amount fined will depend on the maximum penalty that may be imposed for a certain offence.

Question 3

Purpose of punishment on a fine

Answer 3

Depending on the financial circumstances of the offender, fines can serve to punish by requiring them to pay money to the state

Question 4

Purpose of specific deterrence on a fine

Answer 4

Depending on the financial circumstances of the offender, fines can serve to specifically deter offenders by requiring them to pay money to the state

Question 5

Purpose of general deterrence on a fine

Answer 5

Fines can also act as a general deterrence by discouraging other members of the public from committing a similar offence because they see the consequence of offending

Question 6

Purposes of denunciation on a fine

Answer 6

Fines can also act as a form of denunciation as it shows clear public declaration that committing the offence was unacceptable