In what situation can incapacitation as a goal of criminal sanction be mainly applied?

Incapacitation as a goal of criminal sanction is primarily focused on preventing an offender from committing further crimes. This approach removes or restricts the individual's ability to engage in criminal behavior by either confining them in prison or through other measures that limit their freedom and opportunities to reoffend.

This is particularly relevant in situations where the individual poses a significant threat to public safety, thereby justifying measures that ensure they are unable to act on any criminal impulses. When incapacitation is effectively employed, the immediate goal is the protection of society by ensuring that dangerous offenders are removed from the community, regardless of what might happen to their behavior post-release or the potential for rehabilitation.

In contrast, the other options address different aspects of the criminal justice system. Deterrence focuses on preventing future offenses through the fear of punishment, rehabilitation emphasizes reforming the offender to become a law-abiding citizen, and justice for the victim seeks to address the harm done to the victim of the crime. Each of these objectives serves distinct purposes within the justice system, but incapacitation specifically centers on the immediate need to prevent further criminal acts by a particular individual.