In the Context of Crime, what Are the Purposes of Punishment and Does It Work?

This essay is concerned with looking at the reasons behind punishment in the context of crime, what are the purposes of the punishment and does it have a positive effect on crime levels in society. Crime could be defined as a 'non-conformity' to a set of rules, which are accepted by the majority of people within a society. Here is a dictionary definition of crime below:
Crime
1.An act committed or omitted in violation of a law forbidding or commanding it and for which punishment is imposed upon conviction.
2.Unlawful activity: statistics relating to violent crime.
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