Criminal laws are now divided into felonies and misdemeanors. The distinction is based on seriousness. A felony is a serious offense, a misdemeanor is a minor or petty crime. Crimes such as murder, rape, and burglary are felonies; they are punished with long prison sentences or even death. Crimes such as unarmed assault and battery, petty larceny, and disturbing the peace are misdemeanors; they are punished with a fine or a period of incarceration in a county jail. What does the government expect to achieve by outlawing the described behaviors?