What term refers to the prevention of future actions or the avoidance of certain behaviors?

The term that refers to the prevention of future actions or the avoidance of certain behaviors is deterrence. Deterrence is a foundational concept in both criminal justice and public policy, focusing on the idea that the threat of punishment or negative consequences can discourage individuals from engaging in undesirable or unlawful behaviors. By instilling an understanding that engaging in certain actions leads to unfavorable outcomes, deterrence aims to reduce the likelihood of those actions occurring in the future.

In contrast, redirection involves steering individuals toward different behaviors rather than simply discouraging the current ones. Rehabilitation focuses on the process of helping individuals change their behavior through treatment and support, typically after they have already committed an offense. Reform generally refers to the broader changes made within systems or policies to improve societal conditions but does not specifically address the prevention of behavior in the same direct manner as deterrence does.