Sec. 1-16. - Purposes and principles of construction.

The provisions of this Code shall be construed in accordance with these general purposes to: (1)

Forbid and prevent the commission of offenses;

(2)

Define adequately the conduct and mental state which constitute each offense;

(3)

Prescribe penalties which are proportionate to the seriousness of offenses and which permit recognition of differences in rehabilitation possibilities among individual offenders; and

(4)

Prevent arbitrary or oppressive treatment of persons accused or convicted of offenses.

(Code 1981, § 1-112)