What is deterrence philosophy?
Deterrence in relation to criminal offending is the idea or theory that the threat of punishment will deter people from committing crime and reduce the probability and/or level of offending in society. An underlying principle of deterrence is that it is utilitarian or forward-looking.
What is deterrence and example?
Specific deterrence refers to the use of punishment for criminal activity, intended to discourage a specific individual from committing the crime again. For example, if the person is wealthy a monetary fine may not deter him from repeating the crime.
What do you mean by deterrence?
a : the inhibition of criminal behavior by fear especially of punishment. b : the maintenance of military power for the purpose of discouraging attack nuclear deterrence.
What does deterrence theory say?
Deterrence theory says that people don’t commit crimes because they are afraid of getting caught – instead of being motivated by some deep moral sense. According to deterrence theory, people are most likely to be dissuaded from committing a crime if the punishment is swift, certain and severe.
What is deterrence criminology?
Deterrence — the crime prevention effects of the threat of punishment — is a theory of choice in which individuals balance the benefits and costs of crime.
Why is general deterrence important?
The purpose of general deterrence is to discourage people from committing crimes by setting an example of what the consequences of crime can be.
What is a good example of deterrence?
First, by increasing the certainty of punishment, potential offenders may be deterred by the risk of apprehension. For example, if there is an increase in the number of state troopers patrolling highways on a holiday weekend, some drivers may reduce their speed in order to avoid receiving a ticket.
What are the types of deterrence?
The two types of deterrence are specific and general deterrence. Specific deterrence applies to an individual defendant. When the government punishes an individual defendant, he or she is theoretically less likely to commit another crime because of fear of another similar or worse punishment.
What type of theory is the theory of deterrence?
As a final comment, it might be noted that deterrence theory is both a micro- and macro-level theory. The concept of specific deterrence proposes that individuals who commit crime(s) and are caught and punished will be deterred from future criminal activ ity.
What is deterrence theory in sociology?
A goal of punishment, deterrence supposes people can be discouraged from acting if the cost of doing an act outweighs the benefits derived from that act. Deterrence is rooted in the premise that people are rational and make decisions about their behavior by conducting a straightforward cost-benefit analysis.