AI overview
A fine is a monetary penalty imposed by a government or authority on a person or organization for breaking a law or regulation. It matters because fines serve as a punishment and deterrent to discourage illegal behavior while generating revenue for public purposes.
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Article
A fine or mulct (the latter synonym typically used in civil law) is a penalty of money that a court of law or other authority decides has to be paid as punishment for a crime or other offense. The amount of a fine can be determined case by case, but it is often announced in advance.
A warning sign in Singapore that states the fee for releasing vehicles that are immobilized with wheel clamps by private security in a non-public area A parking attendant issuing a fine for illegal parking in Seattle, Washington, 1960