Final answer:
A 90 day term of imprisonment may be used for both first-time and subsequent violations depending on the crime, laws, and judge's discretion. It is part of deterrence and anti-recidivism efforts, though its use varies with the crime's severity and trends in sentencing policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whether a 90 day term of imprisonment would be a penalty for a first time violation or subsequent violations depends on the specific laws and regulations of the jurisdiction, the nature of the offense, and the discretion of the sentencing judge. Incarceration is utilized as a method of deterrence and to prevent recidivism. In some cases, minor first-time offenses could result in alternative penalties like diversion programs rather than incarceration, particularly for juveniles for whom incarceration can be counterproductive. In other situations, particularly for more serious crimes or repeat offenders, incarceration, including terms like 90 days, may be deemed appropriate. The law-and-order movement of the 1990s saw a trend towards harsher penalties, such as the 'three strikes' law, leading to longer sentences even for nonviolent offenses. However, a shift toward decriminalization and alternative sentencing has been occurring due to the high social and financial costs of mass incarceration.