On the one hand, as prisons can deprive a person’s freedom it would dissuade/deter people from committing a criminal offence/illegal activity. For example, if a criminal activity would deny a young man the freedom to pursue his favourite career or a happy life with his girlfriend, he is likely to resist the temptation of committing a crime. Moreover, the experience of being confined to a limited space for a certain period of time can act as great deterrent against crime.